MONTEREY HOMES CORP
10-K405, 1997-03-31
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

                                       OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM
         ___________ TO ____________

                           Commission File No. 0-18605


                           MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Maryland                                        86-0611231
(State or other jurisdiction of                (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

        6613 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                 (602) 998-8700
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.01 par value                             New York Stock Exchange

           Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      None
<PAGE>
         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
Registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,
to the best of  registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part  III of this  Form  10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

         At March 21, 1997,  the aggregate  market value of common stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant was $17,075,000.

         The number of shares  outstanding of the  Registrant's  common stock on
March 21, 1997 was 4,580,611.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions from the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement  relating to the 1997
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 29, 1997 have been incorporated
by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13.


                                                     Exhibit Index at page  61
                                                               Total pages 311
                                        2
<PAGE>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

PART I ........................................................................4
     Item 1.   Business........................................................4
     Item 2.   Properties.....................................................21
     Item 3.   Legal Proceedings..............................................21
     Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............21

PART II ......................................................................24
     Item 5.   Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
               Stockholder Matters............................................24
     Item 6.   Selected Financial and Operating Data..........................25
     Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
               and Results of Operations......................................27
     Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................41
     Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
               and Financial Disclosures......................................59

PART III .....................................................................59
     Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............59
     Item 11.  Executive Compensation.........................................59
     Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
               Management.....................................................59
     Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................60

PART IV ......................................................................60
     Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
               Form 8-K.......................................................60

SIGNATURES ..................................................................S-1

                                       3
<PAGE>
                                     PART I

Item 1.       Business

                                     Merger

         On December 23, 1996, the stockholders of Homeplex Mortgage Investments
Corporation,  now known as Monterey Homes Corporation (the "Company"),  approved
the merger (the  "Merger") of Monterey Homes  Construction  II, Inc., an Arizona
corporation  ("MHC  II"),  and  Monterey  Homes  Arizona  II,  Inc.,  an Arizona
corporation ("MHA II")  (collectively,  the "Monterey  Entities" or "Monterey"),
with and into the Company.  MHC II and MHA II were privately owned  homebuilders
with  operations  in the Phoenix and Tucson,  Arizona  metropolitan  areas.  The
Merger was  effective on December 31, 1996,  and was  completed  pursuant to the
terms of an Agreement and Plan of  Reorganization,  dated September 13, 1996, by
and among the  Company,  MHC II, MHA II and  William W.  Cleverly  and Steven J.
Hilton, the shareholders of MHC II and MHA II (the "Merger Agreement").

         Upon  consummation  of the Merger,  the  Company's  name was changed to
Monterey  Homes  Corporation  and the Company's New York Stock  Exchange  ticker
symbol was changed to MTH. In addition,  a one-for-three  reverse stock split of
the Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, was
effected.  Except as otherwise indicated, the share information contained herein
reflects the one-for-three reverse stock split.

         Prior to the  Merger,  the  Company  had  elected to be taxed as a real
estate  investment  trust  ("REIT")  pursuant to Sections 856 through 860 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the Company
generally was not subject to tax on its income to the extent that it distributed
at  least  95% of its  taxable  earnings  to  stockholders  and  maintained  its
qualification  as  a  REIT.  As  part  of  the  Merger,   however,  the  Company
discontinued  its  status as a REIT  because  it would no longer be able to meet
certain tests with respect to the nature of its assets,  share ownership and the
amount of  distributions,  among other  things,  which are required to be met in
order to  qualify  as a REIT.  As a  result,  any  future  distributions  to the
Company's  stockholders  will not be  deductible by the Company in computing its
taxable  income.  In that regard,  the Company's  Board of Directors  intends to
retain  earnings to finance  the growth of the  Company's  business.  The future
payment of cash  dividends,  if any, will depend upon the  financial  condition,
results of operations and capital  requirements of the Company, as well as other
factors deemed relevant by the Board.

                    Overview of Pre- and Post-Merger Business

         Prior to the Merger,  the Company was engaged in the business of making
short-term and intermediate-term  mortgage loans on improved and unimproved real
property ("Real Estate Loans") and owned mortgage  assets.  In 1993, the Company
decided to shift its focus to making Real  Estate  Loans from the  ownership  of
mortgage assets consisting of mortgage instruments,
                                        4
<PAGE>
including  residential  mortgage  loans and mortgage  certificates  representing
interest in pools of residential  mortgage loans  ("Mortgage  Instruments")  and
mortgage interests, commonly known as residual interests, representing the right
to receive the net cash flows on Mortgage  Instruments  ("Mortgage  Interests").
Substantially  all  of the  Company's  Mortgage  Instruments  and  the  Mortgage
Instruments  underlying the Company's  Mortgage  Interests  currently  secure or
underlie  mortgage-collateralized  bonds, mortgage pass-through certificates, or
other mortgage securities issued by various institutions.

         The  Company's  business has changed  substantially  as a result of the
Merger.  The  Company  will no longer be engaged  primarily  in the  business of
making  Real  Estate  Loans,  but  instead  will  be  engaged  primarily  in the
homebuilding business -- the business engaged in by Monterey.  Accordingly,  the
"Business"  section of this Annual  Report on Form 10-K will focus  primarily on
the operations of Monterey for the year ended December 31, 1996.

         The  Company is a Maryland  corporation  headquartered  in  Scottsdale,
Arizona. The Company's principal executive offices are now located at 6613 North
Scottsdale Road, Suite 200, Scottsdale,  Arizona 85250, and its telephone number
is (602) 998-8700.

         This Annual  Report on Form 10-K contains  forward-looking  statements.
Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company
from time to time in filings  with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission  or
otherwise.  The words  "believe,"  "expect,"  "anticipate,"  and  "project," and
similar expressions identify forward-looking statements,  which speak only as of
the date the statement was made. Such forward-looking  statements are within the
meaning of that term in Section 27A of the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,
and  Section  21E of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended.  Such
statements may include,  but not be limited to, projections of revenues,  income
or loss, home sales, housing permits, backlog, inventory,  capital expenditures,
plans for future  operations,  financing needs or plans, the impact of inflation
and  plans  relating  to  products  or  services  of the  Company,  as  well  as
assumptions  relating to the foregoing.  The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise.

         Forward-looking   statements  are  inherently   subject  to  risks  and
uncertainties,  some of which cannot be predicted or  quantified.  Future events
and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated
by, or  underlying  the  forward-looking  statements.  Statements in this Annual
Report,  including  the  Notes  to the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations,"  describe factors,  among others, that could contribute to or cause
such differences.  Additional  factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements are set forth
in  "Business"  and  "Market  for the  Registrant's  Common  Stock  and  Related
Stockholder Matters" in this Annual Report.
                                        5
<PAGE>
                       Homebuilding Operations of Monterey

         Monterey  designs,   builds,  and  sells  single-family,   move-up  and
semi-custom, luxury homes in the Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona metropolitan areas.
Monterey  achieved revenue growth from $20.4 million in 1991 to $86.8 million in
1996 and achieved pre-tax income of $6 million in 1996. Monterey attributes this
growth principally to the market knowledge and experience of its management team
and strong economic  conditions in the Phoenix  metropolitan  area. For the year
ended December 31, 1996,  Monterey closed 307 homes generating revenues of $86.8
million and as of that date had a backlog of 120 homes under contract.

         Industry

         The   homebuilding   industry  is  highly   competitive  and  extremely
fragmented,  and is greatly affected by a number of factors,  on both a national
and  regional  level.  Among the most  vital  factors  on a  national  level are
interest rates and the influence of the Federal Reserve Board on interest rates.
The  homebuilding  industry's  sensitivity  to  interest  rate  fluctuations  is
two-pronged:  an  increase  or  decrease  in  interest  rates  affects  (i)  the
homebuilding  company directly in connection with its cost of borrowed funds for
land and project  development  and working capital and (ii) home buyers' ability
and desire to obtain long-term  mortgages at rates favorable enough to service a
long-term mortgage  obligation.  Monterey believes that the availability of less
expensive  mortgage financing vehicles such as variable rate mortgage loans have
encouraged  potential home buyers moving to high growth areas to be more willing
to purchase a new home now and refinance at a later date.

         Business Strategy

         Monterey's  business  strategy is to provide its customers with quality
move-up and  semi-custom,  luxury  homes in prime  locations  while  catering to
customers' desires to customize  Monterey's offered floor plans.  Monterey seeks
to distinguish itself from other production  homebuilders by offering homes that
it believes  have  distinctive  designs and by offering  custom home features at
prices that offer a better value than generally available.

         Monterey's business strategy focuses on the following elements:

         Quality  Product  -  Distinctive  Design  Features.  Monterey  seeks to
maximize  customer  satisfaction  by offering  homes that are built with quality
materials  and  craftsmanship,  exhibit  distinctive  design and are situated in
premium  locations.  Its competitive  edge in the selling process focuses on the
home's features, design and available custom options. Monterey believes that its
homes  generally  offer higher quality and more  distinguished  designs within a
defined price range or category than those built by its competitors.
                                        6
<PAGE>
         Service.  Monterey  attempts to involve the  customer in every phase of
the  building  process  through a series of  conferences  with the sales  staff,
project managers and construction superintendents. This procedure is designed to
give the buyer  the  opportunity  to add  custom  design  features  and  monitor
development of the home,  creating a sense of  participation in and control over
the end product.

         Product  Breadth.  Monterey  has two major  product  lines:  luxury and
move-up.  The luxury market segment is  characterized  by unique  communities in
which  Monterey  builds  semi-custom  homes.   Monterey  rarely  duplicates  its
semi-custom  floor  plans from one  community  to another,  providing  customers
within each specific  community  distinctive  luxury homes.  The move-up  market
segment is characterized by lower-priced  production homes for which floor plans
can be used from community to community.  Monterey's  expansion into the move-up
buyer  segment of the market  reflects  its desire to increase  its share of the
overall housing market in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas.

         Target Market.  Particularly  in its luxury home  operations,  Monterey
focuses on the affluent  buyer,  including  professionals  and those  purchasing
second homes and who may live in the Phoenix or Tucson  metropolitan  areas on a
part-time  basis.  Because  of  its  customer  profile  and  the  nature  of the
semi-custom, luxury segment of the market, Monterey believes that the demand for
this  product is less  cyclical  and less  sensitive  to the adverse  effects of
interest rate fluctuation than other segments of the homebuilding  industry, and
somewhat less affected by economic  downturns.  For the year ended  December 31,
1996,  approximately  45% and 55% of  Monterey's  revenues were derived from the
sale of move-up and semi-custom,  luxury homes, respectively. For the year ended
December 31, 1995, approximately 32% and 68% of Monterey's revenues were derived
from the sale of its move-up and semi-custom,  luxury homes,  respectively.  For
the year  ended  December  31,  1994,  approximately  15% and 85% of  Monterey's
revenues  were derived from the sale of move-up and  semi-custom,  luxury homes,
respectively.  Although  semi-custom,  luxury home sales as a percentage  of the
Company's  total  revenues  have  declined  over the last  three  years due to a
greater  emphasis on increasing  sales of move-up homes,  the Company  currently
expects to continue to derive a  significant  portion of its revenues from sales
of semi-custom, luxury homes.

         Penetration of New Markets.  Depending on existing  market  conditions,
Monterey may explore  expansion  opportunities in other parts of the Western and
Southwestern  United States. Its strategy in this regard will be to expand first
into similar  market  niches in areas where it perceives an ability to exploit a
competitive  advantage.  The expansion may be effected  through  acquisitions of
homebuilders operating in such geographic markets.

         Conservative  Land  Acquisition   Policy.   Monterey  has  historically
pursued, and will continue to pursue, a conservative land acquisition policy. It
generally purchases land subject to complete  entitlement,  including zoning and
utilities  services,  focusing on  development  sites which it expects will have
less than a three-year inventory of lots. These strategies reduce the risks
                                        7
<PAGE>
associated  with  investments  in  land.   Moreover,   it  controls  lots  on  a
non-recourse,  rolling  option  basis  in  those  circumstances  in  which it is
economically  advantageous to do so. To date, Monterey has not speculated in raw
land held for investment.

         Markets and Products

         Overview.  Monterey's operations primarily serve Scottsdale,  Northeast
Phoenix and Fountain Hills,  Arizona (the "Scottsdale  Area") and,  beginning in
the first half of 1996,  Tucson and Oro Valley,  Arizona  (the  "Tucson  Area").
Monterey  believes that both of these areas  represent  attractive  homebuilding
markets with opportunity for long-term  growth.  Monterey also believes that its
operations  in  Scottsdale  are well  established  and that it has  developed  a
reputation  for  building  quality  move-up and  semi-custom,  luxury homes with
distinctive designs.

         Monterey's  semi-custom,  luxury  homes are  single-story,  two to five
bedroom homes,  ranging in base price from  approximately  $244,900 to $505,900.
Basements are available on some plans. The  homes vary in size from 2,540 square
feet to 4,530 square feet and are  constructed on lots ranging from 5,500 square
feet to one acre.

         Monterey also builds  single-family,  move-up homes on subdivided lots.
These are one and two-story  detached homes, with two to five bedrooms,  ranging
in base price from  approximately  $169,900  to  $227,900.  The homes range from
1,970 square feet to 3,050 square feet and are  constructed on lots ranging from
6,500 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

         The average  sales price for all homes closed  during 1996 and 1995 was
$282,800 and $284,200,  respectively. At December 31, 1995, Monterey had a total
of 144 home purchase contracts in backlog totaling $38 million,  with an average
sales price of  $263,100,  while at December  31,  1996,  Monterey  had 120 home
purchase contracts in backlog totaling $43 million,  with an average sales price
of $355,500.

         Scottsdale,  Arizona.  For 1995 and prior years,  Monterey  derived its
revenues from  operations  in the  Scottsdale  Area.  Scottsdale is a relatively
affluent city within the Phoenix metropolitan area. In addition,  Scottsdale has
developed  detailed  master  planning and zoning  regulations and the Scottsdale
Area has typically  appealed to the type of  higher-income  buyer which Monterey
generally targets.

         From 1995 to 1996,  permits issued for single-family  residential units
in the City of Scottsdale  decreased 3% from 3,194 to 3,077.  Permits  issued in
the Phoenix  metropolitan area increased 8.6% from 24,697 to 26,811 for the same
time period.  Moreover,  although  single-family  housing permits in the Phoenix
metropolitan  area  were at record  levels in 1996,  real  estate  analysts  are
predicting  that new home  sales in the  Phoenix  metropolitan  area  will  slow
significantly  in 1997 and 1998. Any such slowing in new home sales could have a
material adverse affect on the Company's operating results.
                                        8
<PAGE>
         The  following  table  presents  information  relating  to the  current
communities in the Scottsdale Area served by the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Number of       Number of          Number of             Number
                                                 Homes           Homes            Homes in             of Homes         Estimated
                                 Total         Sold as of       Closed at           Backlog            Remaining         Average
                               Number of      December 31,     December 31,     at December 31,     at December 31,       Sales
      Community               Home Sites         1996             1996              1996               1996(1)           Price(2)
      ---------               ----------      ------------     ------------     ---------------     ---------------     ----------
<S>                               <C>             <C>              <C>               <C>                <C>
Luxury:

Canada Vistas                      41              25               17                8                  16             $294,400

Eagle Mountain                     29               7                1                6                  22             $432,900

Lincoln Place                      56              23                0               23                  33             $439,150

Portales                           72              67               63                4                   5             $357,900

Scottsdale Country Club            23              21               17                4                   2             $379,900
(Estates)

Scottsdale Country Club            43              43               41                2                   0             $307,600
(Fairway)

SunRidge Canyon                    88              24                8               16                  64             $297,100

Tierra Bella                       35              15                4               11                  20             $379,600

56th St. and Dynamite(3)          143               0                0                0                 143                   --
                                  ---            ----             ----             ----                 ---
    Luxury Subtotal:              530             225              151               74                 305
                                  ---            ----             ----             ----                 ---
Move-up:

Grayhawk                          147              54               43               11                  93             $205,500

Palos Verdes                       72              41               29               12                  31             $192,900
                                  ---            ----             ----             ----                 ---
    Move-up Subtotal:             219              95               72               23                 124
                                  ---             ---              ---              ---                 ---
Total Scottsdale Area:            749             320              223               97                 429
                                  ===             ===              ===              ===                 ===
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------

(1)  The "Number of Homes  Remaining" is the number of homes that could be built
     on both the remaining lots available for sale and land to be developed into
     lots as estimated by Monterey.
(2)  "Estimated  Average Sales Price" is the current average base sales price of
     homes offered for sale in each respective community.
(3)  Sales currently  scheduled to open in the third quarter of 1997.
(4)  In  February  1997,  the  Company  entered  into an  agreement  to purchase
     additional  land adjacent to Gainey Ranch in the Scottsdale  Area which the
     Company  intends to develop into a 176 lot community,  with sales currently
     expected to open in the third quarter of 1997.

         Tucson,  Arizona.  Monterey began offering homes for sale in the Tucson
Area in April 1996.  The Tucson Area also has  experienced  growth over the last
five years.  Annual building permits issued for single-family  residential units
in the Tucson Area increased moderately from
                                        9
<PAGE>
approximately 5,000 in 1995 to approximately 5,200 in 1996, a 4% increase.  Real
estate  analysts are predicting  that new home sales in the Tucson  metropolitan
area will remain relatively flat in 1997.

       The  following  table  presents   information  relating  to  the  current
communities in the Tucson Area served by the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Number of        Number of          Number of            Number
                                               Homes            Homes             Homes in            of Homes         Estimated
                             Total           Sold as of       Closed at           Backlog            Remaining          Average
                           Number of         December 31,     December 31,     at December 31,     at December 31,       Sales
      Community           Home Sites            1996             1996              1996               1996(1)           Price(2)
      ---------           ----------         ------------     ------------     ---------------     ---------------     ----------
<S>                          <C>                 <C>             <C>                <C>                 <C>             <C>
The Lakes at Castle
Rock (The Estates)            46                 11               6                  5                  35              $354,200

The Lakes at Castle
Rock (The Park)               66                 12               8                  4                  54              $290,700

The Lakes at Castle
Rock (The Retreat)            56                 31              17                 14                  25              $193,300

Rancho Vistoso(3)            144                  0               0                  0                 144                   --
                             ---                 --              --                ---                 ---
Total Tucson                 312                 54              31                 23                 258
                             ===                 ==              ==                 ==                 ===
Area:
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------------

(1)  The "Number of Homes  Remaining" is the number of homes that could be built
     on both the remaining lots available for sale and land to be developed into
     lots as estimated by Monterey.
(2)  "Estimated  Average Sales Price" is the current average base sales price of
     homes offered for sale in each respective community.
(3)  Sales currently scheduled to open in the second quarter of 1997.


       Land Acquisition and Development

       Most of the land acquired by Monterey is purchased  only after  necessary
entitlements  have been  obtained so that  Monterey has certain  rights to begin
development   or   construction   as  market   conditions   dictate.   The  term
"entitlements"  refers to  development  agreements,  tentative  maps or recorded
plats,  depending  on  the  jurisdiction  within  which  the  land  is  located.
Entitlements  generally give the developer the right to obtain building  permits
upon compliance with conditions that are usually within the developer's control.
Even after  entitlements  are obtained,  Monterey is still  required to obtain a
variety of other  governmental  approvals  and  permits  during the  development
process.  The process of obtaining such  governmental  approvals and permits can
substantially  delay the  development  process.  In  certain  situations  in the
future, Monterey may consider purchasing untitled property where it perceives an
opportunity to build on such property in a manner  consistent  with its business
strategy.
                                       10
<PAGE>
       Monterey  selects land for  development  based upon a variety of factors,
including  (i) internal and external  demographic  and marketing  studies;  (ii)
suitability of the projects,  which generally are  developments  with fewer than
150 lots;  (iii)  suitability  for  development  within a one to three year time
period from the beginning of the development process to the delivery of the last
house;  (iv) financial  review as to the  feasibility  of the proposed  project,
including  projected profit margins,  return on capital employed and the capital
payback  period;   (v)  the  ability  to  secure   governmental   approvals  and
entitlements;  (vi)  results of  environmental  and legal due  diligence;  (vii)
proximity to local traffic  corridors  and  amenities;  and (viii)  management's
judgment as to the real  estate  market,  economic  trends and  experience  in a
particular market. Monterey may consider purchasing larger properties consisting
of 200 to 500  lots or more if it  deems  the  situation  to have an  attractive
profit potential and acceptable risk limitation.

       Due to the strong market in the Scottsdale Area, the availability of land
in the  Scottsdale  Area has decreased and the cost of such land has  increased.
There can be no  assurance  that the Company will be able to continue to acquire
land in the  Scottsdale  Area on terms that are  favorable to the  Company.  The
Company's  inability to acquire land in the Scottsdale  Area on favorable  terms
could have a material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business and operating
results.

       Monterey  effects  its land  acquisition  through  purchases  and rolling
option contracts.  Purchases are financed through  traditional bank financing or
through working capital.  To control its investment in land and land acquisition
costs, Monterey often utilizes non-recourse, rolling option contracts. Under the
terms of such rolling option contracts, Monterey generally pays a non-refundable
deposit of  approximately  10% of the total option price at the inception of the
option and an additional non-refundable deposit each time it purchases lots in a
particular  subdivision  in the form of lot purchase  price  premiums  above the
contractual  lot  purchase  price  for a  certain  number  of  the  lots  in the
development. Under all of its option contracts, Monterey is required to purchase
a certain number of lots on a monthly or quarterly basis. In this way,  Monterey
pays the non-refundable deposit over time as it purchases lots under its option.
As a result,  Monterey's  risk is limited to having  paid a higher  price in the
form of an  additional  deposit  for  the  lots  which  it has  purchased  if it
determines  not to exercise its option to purchase the remaining lots subject to
the option agreement.  Monterey's failure to purchase the lots as required under
such  agreements  would result only in Monterey having paid a lot premium in the
form of an  additional  deposit for those lots  purchased  as of the date of the
contract's  termination.  At December 31,  1996,  Monterey was buying lots under
five rolling  option  contracts  totaling 336 lots.  The option  contracts  have
expiration dates ranging from June 30, 1997, to August 9, 1999.

       Once  the  land  is  acquired,   Monterey  undertakes,   where  required,
development  activities,  through contractual  arrangements with subcontractors,
that include site planning and engineering,
                                       11
<PAGE>
as well as constructing road, sewer, water, utilities, drainage and recreational
facilities, and other amenities.

       Monterey builds homes in master planned  communities with home sites that
are along or close in proximity to a major amenity, such as a golf course. These
master planned  communities  are designed and developed by major land developers
who develop  groups of lots commonly  referred to as "super pads" which are sold
to a single  homebuilder.  Monterey typically purchases super pads which contain
between 60 and 100 fully  entitled  lots which are  roughly  graded and have all
utilities and paving  brought up to the  boundaries  of the super pad.  Monterey
completes the development of each super pad by finishing  paving,  final grading
and installing all utilities.

       Monterey  also  develops  its own  subdivisions  by  purchasing  entitled
property and commencing site planning and development activities. In such cases,
its employees supervise the land development process.

       Monterey has occasionally used partnerships or joint ventures to purchase
and develop land where such  arrangements were necessary to acquire the property
or appeared to be otherwise economically advantageous to Monterey.  Monterey may
continue to consider such arrangements where management perceives an opportunity
to acquire land upon favorable  terms,  minimize risk and exploit  opportunities
through seller financing.

       Monterey  strives to develop a design and  marketing  concept for each of
its projects, which includes determination of size, style and price range of the
homes,  layout of  streets,  size and layout of  individual  lots,  and  overall
community design.  The product line offered in a particular project depends upon
many factors,  including the housing generally  available in the area, the needs
of a particular market and Monterey's cost of lots in the project.  Monterey has
utilized  an  extensive  number of floor  plans  throughout  the years,  but has
offered only about 30 plans in any one year.

       At December 31, 1996,  Monterey  owned 214 finished  lots and had no lots
under  development in the Scottsdale  Area.  Monterey also had under contract or
subject to the satisfaction of purchase contingencies, 127 finished lots and 185
lots under development in the Scottsdale Area.

       At December 31, 1996,  Monterey owned 56 finished lots and 144 lots under
development  in the Tucson Area.  At December 31, 1996,  Monterey also had under
contract or subject to the satisfaction of purchase  contingencies,  81 finished
lots in the Tucson Area.

       The following table sets forth by project Monterey's land inventory as of
December 31, 1996.
                                       12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Land Under
                                            Land Owned                      Contract or Option
                                            ----------                      ------------------
                                                   Lots Under                         Lots Under
                                   Finished       Development           Finished     Development
        Projects                     Lots         (estimate)              Lots        (estimate)         Total
        --------                     ----         ----------              ----        ----------         -----
Scottsdale Area:
- --------------- 
<S>                                   <C>            <C>                   <C>            <C>             <C>
Canada Vistas                          24             -                      -             -               24
Eagle Mountain                          7             -                     21             -               28
Grayhawk                               23             -                     81             -              104
Lincoln Place                          56             -                      -             -               56
Palos Verdes                           43             -                      -             -               43
Portales                                9             -                      -             -                9
Scottsdale Country                                                                           
Club (Estates)                          6             -                      -             -                6
Scottsdale Country                                                                           
Club (Fairway)                          2             -                      -             -                2
SunRidge Canyon                        13             -                     25             42              80
Tierra Bella                           31             -                      -              -              31
56th Street and Dynamite(1)             0             -                      0            143             143
                                      ---            ---                   ---            ---             ---
Total Scottsdale Area:                214             0                    127            185             526
                                      ---            --                    ---            ---             ---
Tucson Area:                                                                                 
The Lakes at Castle Rock                                                                     
(The Estates)                          40             -                      -             -               40
The Lakes at Castle Rock                                                                     
(The Park)                              4             -                     54             -               58
The Lakes at Castle Rock                                                                     
(The Retreat)                          12             -                     27             -               39
Rancho Vistoso                         -             144                    -              -              144
                                      ---            ---                   ---            ---             ---
Total Tucson Area:                     56            144                    81              0             281
                                      ---            ---                   ---             --             ---
Total:                                270            144                   208            185             807
                                      ===            ===                   ===            ===             ===
</TABLE>
- --------------------------

(1)  Escrow is  scheduled to close in May 1997, and sales currently are expected
     to open in the third quarter of 1997.

       In February  1997,  the Company  entered  into an  agreement  to purchase
additional  land  adjacent  to Gainey  Ranch in the  Scottsdale  Area  which the
Company  intends  to develop  into a 176 lot  community,  with  sales  currently
expected to open in the third quarter of 1997.

       At December 31, 1996, and excluding the 56th Street and Dynamite  Project
which is not yet available for sale, the Company's land inventory was lower than
it has been  historically.  Although  the  Company  is  actively  attempting  to
increase its land inventory, there can be no
                                       13
<PAGE>
assurance  that the Company will be able to do so on terms that are favorable to
the Company,  especially  in light of the decreased  availability  and increased
cost  of  land  in the  Scottsdale  Area.  To the  extent  it is not  offset  by
additional  purchases  of land,  the low level of land  inventory  could  have a
material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  operating  results  in  1997  and,
potentially, 1998.

       Construction

       Monterey  acts as the  general  contractor  for the  construction  of its
projects.  Subcontractors typically are retained on a subdivision-by-subdivision
basis to complete construction at a fixed price.  Agreements with subcontractors
and materials  suppliers are generally entered into after competitive bidding on
an   individual   basis.   Monterey   obtains   information   from   prospective
subcontractors  and  suppliers  with respect to their  financial  condition  and
ability to perform their  agreements prior to commencement of the formal bidding
process.  From time to time,  Monterey  enters into longer term  contracts  with
subcontractors  and suppliers if management  believes that more favorable  terms
can be secured.

       Contracts are awarded to subcontractors  who are supervised by Monterey's
project  managers and field  superintendents.  Such  project  managers and field
superintendents  coordinate  the  activities of  subcontractors  and  suppliers,
subject  their work to quality  and cost  controls  and assure  compliance  with
zoning and building codes.

       Monterey   specifies   that  quality,   durable   materials  be  used  in
constructing  its homes.  Monterey  does not maintain  significant  inventory of
construction  materials.  When possible,  Monterey  negotiates  price and volume
discounts with  manufacturers  and suppliers on behalf of subcontractors to take
advantage of its volume of production. Generally, access to Monterey's principal
subcontracting  trades,  materials and supplies continue to be readily available
in each of its  markets;  however,  prices  for  these  goods and  services  may
fluctuate due to various  factors,  including  supply and demand shortages which
may be beyond the control of Monterey or its vendors. Monterey believes that its
relations with its suppliers and subcontractors are good.

       Monterey  generally  clusters  the homes  sold  within a  project,  which
management  believes  creates  efficiencies in land development and construction
and  improves  customer  satisfaction  by  reducing  the  number of vacant  lots
surrounding a completed home. Typically,  the construction of a home by Monterey
is completed  within four to eight  months from  commencement  of  construction,
although construction schedules may vary depending on the availability of labor,
materials and supplies,  product type and location.  Monterey  strives to design
homes  which  promote  efficient  use of space and  materials,  and to  minimize
construction costs and time.

       Monterey  generally  provides a one-year  limited warranty on workmanship
and  building  materials  with  each  of its  homes.  Monterey's  subcontractors
generally provide an indemnity and a certificate of insurance prior to receiving
payments  for their work and,  therefore,  claims  relating to  workmanship  and
materials are usually the primary responsibility of Monterey's subcontractors.
                                       14
<PAGE>
Historically,  Monterey  has not incurred  any  material  costs  relating to any
warranty claims or defects in construction.

       Marketing and Sales

       Monterey  believes that it has an  established  reputation for developing
high  quality  homes,  which helps  generate  interest in each new  project.  In
addition,  Monterey  makes  extensive use of advertising  and other  promotional
activities,  including magazine and newspaper advertisements,  brochures, direct
mail and the  placement of  strategically  located sign boards in the  immediate
areas of its developments.

       Monterey believes that the effective use of model homes plays an integral
part in  demonstrating  the  competitive  advantages  of its  home  designs  and
features to prospective  home buyers.  Monterey  generally  employs or contracts
with interior  designers who are  responsible  for creating an attractive  model
home for each product  line within a project  which is designed to appeal to the
preferences of potential home buyers.  Monterey generally builds between two and
four model homes for each active community depending upon the number of homes to
be built within each  community  and the product to be offered.  At December 31,
1996,  Monterey  owned five model homes in the  Scottsdale  Area,  with no model
units under  construction.  There were no model homes under construction nor any
owned in the Tucson Area at December 31, 1996. Monterey attempts,  to the extent
possible, to sell its model homes and to lease them back from purchasers who own
the  models  for  investment  purposes  or who do not intend to live in the home
immediately,  either  because  they are  moving  from out of state or for  other
reasons.  At December 31, 1996,  Monterey had sold and was leasing back 25 model
homes at a total monthly lease amount of $68,067.

       Monterey tailors its product offerings,  including size, style, amenities
and price,  to attract higher income home buyers.  Monterey offers a broad array
of options and distinctive  designs and provides a home buyer with the option of
customizing many features of their new home.

       Most of  Monterey's  homes  are  sold by  full-time,  commissioned  sales
employees  who typically  work from the sales office  located in the model homes
for each  project.  Monterey's  goal is to  ensure  that  its  sales  force  has
extensive  knowledge of Monterey's  operating policies and housing products.  To
achieve this goal, all sales personnel are trained and attend periodic  meetings
to be  updated  on sales  techniques,  competitive  products  in the  area,  the
availability  of financing,  construction  schedules,  marketing and advertising
plans, and the available product lines, pricing,  options and warranties offered
by Monterey.  Monterey  also  requires its sales  personnel to be licensed  real
estate agents where  required by law.  Further,  Monterey  utilizes  independent
brokers to sell its homes and generally pays approximately a 3% sales commission
on the base price of the home.
                                       15
<PAGE>
       From time to time,  Monterey  offers  various sales  incentives,  such as
landscaping and certain interior home improvements,  in order to attract buyers.
The use and type of incentives depends largely on prevailing economic conditions
and competitive market conditions.

       Backlog

       Although  Monterey  generally  constructs one or two homes per project in
advance of obtaining a sales contract,  Monterey's  homes are generally  offered
for sale in advance of their  construction.  The vast majority of the homes sold
but not  closed  in  fiscal  year 1996 were  sold  pursuant  to  standard  sales
contracts  entered  into  prior to  commencement  of  construction.  Such  sales
contracts  are  usually  subject to certain  contingencies  such as the  buyer's
ability to qualify for financing.  Homes covered by such sales contracts but not
yet closed are considered as "backlog." For a detailed itemization of Monterey's
backlog at December 31, 1996, see "Business--Homebuilding Operations of Monterey
- - Markets and Products." Monterey does not recognize revenue on homes covered by
such  contracts  until the sales are closed and the risk of  ownership  has been
legally transferred to the buyer.

       The Company's backlog in number of units decreased to 120 at December 31,
1996 from 144 at December 31, 1995.  The dollar value of such backlog,  however,
increased to $42,661,000  at December 31, 1996 from  $37,891,000 at December 31,
1995.  The decrease in the number of units in backlog at December 31, 1996,  due
to strong fourth  quarter 1996  deliveries  may result in lower  closings in the
first  quarter  of 1997,  which  will have an  adverse  effect on the  Company's
operating results in that quarter.

       Customer Financing

       With respect to those purchasers requiring  financing,  Monterey seeks to
assist  home buyers in  obtaining  such  financing  from  unaffiliated  mortgage
lenders offering qualified buyers a variety of financing  options.  Monterey may
pay a portion of the closing costs and discount  mortgage  points to assist home
buyers  with  financing.  Since  many home  buyers  utilize  long-term  mortgage
financing  to  purchase  a  home,  adverse  economic  conditions,  increases  in
unemployment and high mortgage interest rates may deter and/or reduce the number
of potential home buyers.

       Customer Relations and Quality Control

       Management  believes that strong  customer  relations and an adherence to
stringent  quality  control  standards are  fundamental to Monterey's  continued
success. Monterey believes that its commitment to customer relations and quality
control  have  significantly  contributed  to its  reputation  as a high quality
builder.

       Generally, for each development,  representatives of Monterey, who may be
a  project  manager  or  project   superintendent,   and  a  customer  relations
representative,  oversee  compliance with Monterey's  quality control standards.
These representatives allocate responsibility for (i)
                                       16
<PAGE>
overseeing home construction;  (ii) overseeing performance by subcontractors and
suppliers;  (iii)  reviewing  the  progress of each home and  conducting  formal
inspections as specific stages of construction are completed; and (iv) regularly
updating each buyer on the progress of his or her home.

       Monterey  strives to inform and involve the customer in all phases of the
building  process  in  most  of  its  communities.   Monterey  usually  holds  a
pre-construction  conference  with the customer,  sales person and  construction
superintendent  to review the house  plans and design  features  selected by the
customer.  A second  conference is held at the  completion of the framing of the
house to review the  progress  and answer any  questions  the customer may have.
Upon  completion  of the house,  a new home  orientation  manager meets with the
customer for a new home orientation.

       Competition and Market Factors

       The development and sale of residential  property is a highly competitive
and fragmented industry.  Monterey competes for residential sales with national,
regional and local developers and homebuilders,  resales of existing homes, and,
to a lesser  extent,  condominiums  and available  rental  housing.  Some of the
homebuilders  with whom Monterey competes have  significantly  greater financial
resources  and/or lower costs than  Monterey.  Competition  among both small and
large  residential  homebuilders are based on a number of interrelated  factors,
including location,  reputation,  amenities, design, quality and price. Monterey
believes  that it compares  favorably  to other  homebuilders  in the markets in
which it  operates  due  primarily  to (i) its  experience  within its  specific
geographic  markets  which  allows  it to  develop  and offer  new  products  to
potential home buyers which reflect,  and adapt to, changing market  conditions;
(ii) its ability, from a capital and resource perspective,  to respond to market
conditions and to exploit  opportunities  to acquire land upon favorable  terms;
and (iii) its reputation for outstanding service and quality products.

       The homebuilding industry is cyclical and affected by consumer confidence
levels,  prevailing economic conditions in general,  and by job availability and
interest  rate  levels in  particular.  A variety  of other  factors  affect the
homebuilding  industry  and  demand for new  homes,  including  changes in costs
associated  with home  ownership  such as increases in property taxes and energy
costs, changes in consumer preferences,  demographic trends, the availability of
and changes in mortgage financing programs and the availability and cost of land
and building materials.  Real estate analysts are predicting that new home sales
in the Phoenix  metropolitan  area may slow  significantly  in 1997 and 1998 and
that sales in the Tucson  metropolitan area will remain relatively flat in 1997.
Such a slowing in new home sales would increase  competition among  homebuilders
in these  areas.  There can be no  assurance  that the  Company  will be able to
compete  successfully  against  other  homebuilders  in the  Phoenix  and Tucson
metropolitan areas in a more competitive  business environment that would result
from such a slowing in new home sales or that such  increased  competition  will
not have a material  adverse  affect on the  Company's  business  and  operating
results.
                                       17
<PAGE>
       Government Regulation and Environmental Matters

       Most of Monterey's  land is purchased  with  entitlements,  providing for
zoning and  utility  service to project  sites and giving it the right to obtain
building permits and begin construction  almost immediately upon compliance with
specified conditions,  which generally are within Monterey's control. The length
of time  necessary  to obtain such  permits and  approvals  affects the carrying
costs of  unimproved  property  acquired  for the  purpose  of  development  and
construction.  In  addition,  the  continued  effectiveness  of permits  already
granted  is  subject  to  factors  such  as  changes  in  policies,   rules  and
regulations,  and their interpretation and application.  To date, the government
approval processes discussed above have not had a material adverse effect on the
development  activities of Monterey.  There can be no assurance,  however,  that
these and other restrictions will not adversely affect Monterey in the future.

       Because most of  Monterey's  land is entitled,  construction  moratoriums
generally would only adversely affect Monterey if they arose from health, safety
and welfare issues,  such as insufficient water or sewage facilities.  Local and
state  governments  also have  broad  discretion  regarding  the  imposition  of
development  fees for  projects in their  jurisdiction.  These fees are normally
established  when Monterey  receives  recorded final maps and building  permits.
However, as Monterey expands it may also become increasingly subject to periodic
delays or may be precluded entirely from developing  communities due to building
moratoriums,  "slow-growth" initiatives or building permit allocation ordinances
which  could be  implemented  in the future in the  states and  markets in which
Monterey may then operate.

       Monterey  is also  subject  to a variety  of local,  state,  and  federal
statutes,  ordinances, rules and regulations concerning the protection of health
and the environment. In the principal market of Scottsdale,  Monterey is subject
to several  environmentally  sensitive land ordinances  which mandate open space
areas with public easements in housing  developments.  Monterey must also comply
with flood plain concerns in certain desert wash areas, native plant regulations
and view  restrictions.  These and  similar  laws may  result in  delays,  cause
Monterey  to incur  substantial  compliance  and other  costs,  and  prohibit or
severely restrict  development in certain  environmentally  sensitive regions or
areas.  To date,  however,  compliance  with such  ordinances has not materially
affected Monterey's  operations.  No assurance can be given that such a material
adverse effect will not occur in the future.

       Bonds and Other Obligations

       Monterey generally is not required, in connection with the development of
its projects, to obtain letters of credit and performance, maintenance and other
bonds in support of its related  obligations  with respect to such  development.
Such bonds are usually provided by subcontractors.
                                       18
<PAGE>
       Employees and Subcontractors

       At December 31,  1996,  Monterey  had 92  employees,  of which 11 were in
management and administration, 25 in sales and marketing, and 56 in construction
operations.  The employees  are not  unionized,  and Monterey  believes that its
relations  with its  employees  are  good.  Monterey  acts  solely  as a general
contractor and all of its construction  operations are conducted through project
managers  and field  superintendents  who  manage  third  party  subcontractors.
Monterey utilizes  independent  contractors for construction,  architectural and
advertising services.


                    Real Estate Loan Business Prior to Merger

       Prior  to the  Merger,  the  Company  made  or  acquired  short-term  and
intermediate-term  Real Estate Loans. A short-term loan generally has a maturity
of one year or less and an  intermediate-  term loan generally has a maturity of
not more than three years.

       In the latter half of 1995, in  anticipation  of a potential  acquisition
transaction,  the  Company  slowed its  origination  of Real Estate  Loans.  The
following  table  sets  forth   information   relating  to  the  Company's  only
outstanding Real Estate Loan at December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      Interest                                                             Amount
           Description                 Rate                         Payment Terms                       Outstanding
- -------------------------------         ---     ------------------------------------------------        -----------
<S>                                     <C>     <C>                                                      <C>       
First Deed of Trust on 41 acres         16%     Interest only monthly, principal due October 18,         $1,696,000
of land in Gilbert, Arizona,                    1997.
face value of $2,800,000.
</TABLE>

The above loan was current at December 31, 1996.  The Company does not intend to
make any additional Real Estate Loans in the future.


                    Mortgage Assets Acquired Prior to Merger

         Prior to the Merger,  the Company  acquired a number of mortgage assets
as  described  herein,  consisting  of  mortgage  interests  (commonly  known as
"residuals") and mortgage instruments.  Mortgage instruments consist of mortgage
certificates  representing  interests  in pools of  residential  mortgage  loans
("Mortgage Certificates").

         Mortgage  interests  entitle  the Company to receive net cash flows (as
described  below)  on  mortgage  instruments  securing  or  underlying  Mortgage
Securities  and are treated for federal income tax purposes as interests in real
estate mortgage  investments  conduits ("REMICs") under the Code.  Substantially
all  of  the  Company's  mortgage   instruments  and  the  mortgage  instruments
underlying  the  Company's  mortgage  interests  currently  secure  or  underlie
mortgage-collateralized
                                       19
<PAGE>
bonds ("CMOs"),  mortgage  pass-through  certificates ("MPCs") or other mortgage
securities (collectively, "Mortgage Securities").

         The  Company's  mortgage  assets  generate  net cash  flows  ("Net Cash
Flows") which result primarily from the difference between (i) the cash flows on
mortgage  instruments  (including those securing or underlying various series of
Mortgage  Securities  as described  herein)  together with  reinvestment  income
thereon and (ii) the amount required for debt service  payments on such Mortgage
Securities, the costs of issuance and administration of such Mortgage Securities
and other borrowing and financing costs of the Company. The revenues received by
the Company are derived from the Net Cash Flows received directly by the Company
as well as any Net Cash  Flows  received  by trusts in which the  Company  has a
beneficial  interest to the extent of  distributions to the Company as the owner
of such beneficial interest.

         Mortgage   Certificates   consist   of   fully-modified    pass-through
mortgage-backed certificates guaranteed by GNMA ("GNMA Certificates"),  mortgage
participation  certificates issued by FHLMC ("FHLMC  Certificates"),  guaranteed
mortgage  pass-through  certificates  issued by FNMA ("FNMA  Certificates")  and
certain other types of mortgage  certificates  and  mortgage-  collateralization
obligations ("Other Mortgage Certificates").

         Mortgage Securities consisting of CMOs and MPCs typically are issued in
series. Each such series generally consists of several serially maturing classes
secured  by  or  representing  interests  in  mortgage  instruments.  Generally,
payments  of  principal  and  interest  received  on  the  mortgage  instruments
(including  prepayments on such mortgage  instruments)  are applied to payments.
Certain Classes of the Mortgage  Securities will be subject to redemption at the
option of the Issuer of such series or upon the  instruction  of the Company (as
the holder of the  residual  interest  in the REMICs  with  respect to the other
Mortgage Securities Classes subject to redemption) on the dates specified herein
in  accordance  with  the  specific  terms  of the  related  Indenture,  Pooling
Agreement or Trust Agreement, as applicable. Certain Classes which represent the
residual  interest in the REMIC with respect to a series of Mortgage  Securities
(referred  to as "Residual  Interest  Classes")  generally  also are entitled to
additional amounts,  such as the remaining assets in the REMIC after the payment
in full of the other Classes of the same series of Mortgage  Securities  and any
amount  remaining on each payment date in the account in which  distributions on
the mortgage  instruments  securing or underlying  the Mortgage  Securities  are
invested  after the payment of principal  and  interest on the related  Mortgage
Securities and the payment of expenses.

         As of December 31, 1996,  the Company  owned  mortgage  interests  with
respect to eight  separate  series of Mortgage  Securities  with a net amortized
cost balance of  approximately  $3,909,000.  This cost  represents the aggregate
purchase price paid for such mortgage interests less the amount of distributions
on such  mortgage  interests  received by the Company  representing  a return of
investment.
                                       20
<PAGE>
         As a result of the Merger and the  termination  of the  Company's  REIT
status,  the Company does not intend to acquire any additional  mortgage assets.
The Company may elect in the future to (i) hold the mortgage assets to maturity,
(ii)  redeem the  mortgage  assets on or after the  allowable  redemption  dates
specified in the controlling  agreement or (iii) sell the mortgage  assets.  The
impact of each of the foregoing  actions on the Company's  operating  results is
set forth under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations  -- Factors That May Affect  Future  Results and Financial
Condition of the Company -- Mortgage Asset Considerations."

Item 2.       Properties

         The Company leases approximately 11,000 square feet of office space for
its corporate  headquarters  from a limited  liability  company ("LLC") owned by
Messrs.  Cleverly  and Hilton in an  approximately  14,000  square  foot  office
building in Scottsdale,  Arizona. Monterey leases the space on a five-year lease
(ending September 1, 1999), net of taxes, insurance and utilities,  at an annual
rate which  management  believes is competitive  with lease rates for comparable
space  in the  Scottsdale  area.  Rents  paid to the LLC  totaled  $173,160  and
$164,394  during  fiscal years 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  The Company has an
option to expand its space in the building and to renew the lease for additional
terms at rates  which are  competitive  with  those in the  market at such time.
Management believes that the terms of the lease are no less favorable than those
which it could obtain in an arm's  length  negotiated  transaction.  The Company
leases  approximately 1,500 square feet of office space in Tucson,  Arizona. The
lease term is for 37 months  commencing on October 1, 1995 at an initial  annual
rent of $13.74 per square  foot,  increasing  during the term of the lease to an
ending rate of $15.74 per square foot.

         The Company also leases,  on a triple net basis,  25 model homes.  Such
leases are for terms  ranging from 2 months to 27 months,  with renewal  options
ranging from 30 days to over 1 year, on a month-to-month  basis. The lease rates
are typically equal to 7% to 12% of the sales price of the homes per annum.

Item 3.       Legal Proceedings

         The Company is involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental
to its  business.  Management  believes  that none of these  legal  proceedings,
certain of which are covered by insurance,  will have a material  adverse impact
on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

         The 1996  Annual  Meeting  of the  Company's  stockholders  was held on
December 23, 1996.  The  proposals  voted upon at the meeting and the votes cast
for such  proposals  are set forth below.  The share numbers in this Item 4 have
not been adjusted for the  one-for-three  reverse stock split  effectuated  upon
consummation of the Merger.
                                       21
<PAGE>
         (1) To approve the  merger of the Monterey  Entities  with and into the
Company and to approve the  transactions  related to the Merger;  including  the
issuance of up to 4.7 million shares of Common Stock,  $.01 par value per share,
to William  W.  Cleverly  and  Steven J.  Hilton,  the two  stockholders  of the
Monterey Entities (collectively, the "Monterey Stockholders").

         5,535,660   votes  were  cast  in  favor  of  the  Merger  and  related
transactions,   while  1,792,909  were  cast  against  the  merger  and  related
transactions. There were 132,830 abstentions and no broker non-votes.

         (2) To approve an amendment to the Company's  Articles of Incorporation
to,  among  other  things,  (a) change the  Company's  name to  "Monterey  Homes
Corporation,"  (b)  reclassify  and change each share of Common Stock issued and
outstanding  into one-third of a share of Common Stock,  (c) amend and make more
strict  the  restrictions  on the  transfer  of  Common  Stock to  preserve  the
Company's  net  operating  loss carry  forward and (d) provide for a  classified
Board of Directors, with one class being elected for a two-year term (the "Class
I Directors"), and the other class of directors (the "Class II Directors") being
elected for a one-year term (the "Charter Amendment").

         5,206,434  votes  were cast in favor of the  Charter  Amendment  to the
Articles of  Incorporation  while  2,118,685 votes were cast against the Charter
Amendment. There were 136,280 abstentions and no broker non-votes.

         (3) To elect (a) a five-member classified Board of Directors consisting
of an existing director of Homeplex Alan D. Hamberlin,  and William W. Cleverly,
Steven J.  Hilton,  Robert G. Sarver and C.  Timothy  White  (collectively,  the
"Post-Merger  Directors") to hold office upon the effectiveness of the Merger to
the next annual  meeting  and until  their  successors  are  elected,  and (b) a
five-member  non-classified  Board of Directors (the "Pre-Merger  Directors") to
hold office until the Merger is  consummated  or if for any reason the Merger is
not  consummated,  to the next annual  meeting and until  their  successors  are
elected.  The results of the vote for and withheld from each of the  Post-Merger
Directors and Pre-Merger Directors were as follows:
                                       22
<PAGE>
POST MERGER DIRECTORS                              FOR               WITHHELD
- ---------------------                              ---               --------

           William W. Cleverly                  5,643,428           1,817,971
           Steven J. Hilton                     5,640,903           1,820,496
           Alan D. Hamberlin                    5,634,453           1,826,946
           Robert G. Sarver                     5,651,178           1,810,221
           C. Timothy White                     5,650,653           1,810,746

PRE MERGER DIRECTORS
- --------------------

           Alan D. Hamberlin                    5,641,578           1,819,821
           Jay R. Hoffman                       5,651,978           1,809,421
           Larry E. Cox                         5,648,178           1,813,221
           Mark A. McKinley                     5,648,278           1,813,121
           Gregory K. Norris                    5,652,978           1,808,421


         (4) To approve the issuance of stock options covering 750,000 shares of
Homeplex Common Stock to Alan D.  Hamberlin,  a director and the Chief Executive
Officer of Homeplex,  pursuant to an existing  employment  agreement and related
stock option  agreement  between  Homeplex and Alan D. Hamberlin (the "Hamberlin
Stock Options").

         4,424,566  votes were cast in favor of the Hamberlin  Stock Options and
2,727,839 against. There were 273,679 abstentions and 35,315 broker non-votes.

         (5) To approve amendments to Homeplex's  existing stock option plan and
related stock option  agreements  between  Homeplex and certain senior executive
officers  and  directors  of Homeplex  to extend the  exercise  period  after an
optionee  ceases to be a director or employee of Homeplex  from three  months to
two years after  cessation of  employment  or service as a director  (the "Stock
Option Extension").

         4,432,815  votes were cast in favor of the Stock Option  Extension  and
2,705,494 against. There were 285,709 abstentions and 37,381 broker non-votes.
                                       23
<PAGE>
                                     PART II


Item 5.       Market for the Registrant's Common  Stock and Related  Stockholder
              Matters

General

         The  Company's  Common  Stock is publicly  traded on the New York Stock
Exchange  ("NYSE")  under the symbol "MTH." The  following  table sets forth the
high and low closing  sales  prices,  adjusted for stock  splits,  of the Common
Stock, as reported by the NYSE, for the periods indicated below.



                                                    High               Low
1996                                                ----               ---
First Quarter                                          6              4 1/8
Second Quarter                                     8 5/8              4 7/8
Third Quarter                                      8 1/4                  6
Fourth Quarter                                     7 7/8              6 3/4

1995
First Quarter                                      5 1/4                  3
Second Quarter                                     6 3/8              3 3/4
Third Quarter                                      6 3/8              4 1/2
Fourth Quarter                                     5 5/8              4 1/8

         On March 20,  1997,  the closing  sales price of the  Company's  Common
Stock as reported by the NYSE was $5 7/8 per share.  At that date, the number of
stockholder  accounts  of  record of the  Company's  Common  Stock was 544.  The
Company believes that there are approximately  5,000 beneficial owners of Common
Stock.

         Cash dividends per share paid by the Company were $.06 in 1996, $.09 in
1995, $.06 in 1994, $.09 in 1993 and $1.20 in 1992,  representing  distributions
of taxable income  arising out of the Company's  status as a REIT. The foregoing
amounts reflect the one-for-three reverse stock split which occurred on December
31, 1996. The Company's loan and debt agreements  contain certain covenants that
restrict  the  payment  of  dividends  if the  financial  condition,  results of
operation and capital requirements of the Company fail to meet certain specified
levels.  In addition,  the Company's  Board of Directors has indicated  that the
Company will not pay any permitted  cash dividends for the  foreseeable  future.
Instead, the Company's Board intends to retain earnings to finance the growth of
the  Company's  business.  The future  payment of cash  dividends,  if any, will
depend  upon  the  financial  condition,   results  of  operations  and  capital
requirements  of the Company,  as well as other factors  deemed  relevant by the
Board.
                                       24
<PAGE>
Factors That May Affect Future Stock Performance

         The performance of the Company's Common Stock is dependent upon several
factors,  including  those set forth below and in  "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations -- Factors that May
Affect Future Results and Financial Condition."

         Restrictions or Transfer; Influence by Principal Stockholders. In order
to preserve  certain net operating  loss  carryforwards,  the Company's  charter
precludes  (i) any person from  transferring  such shares if the effect  thereof
would be to make any person or group an owner of 4.9% or more of the outstanding
shares of Common  Stock,  or (ii) an increase in the  ownership  position of any
person or group that already owns 4.9% or more of such outstanding  shares. As a
result of the foregoing factors, Messrs. Cleverly and Hilton should have working
control of the Company for the foreseeable  future. One or more of the foregoing
factors could delay or prevent a future change of control of the Company,  which
could depress the price of the Common Stock.

         Possible  Volatility of Stock Price.  The market price of the Company's
Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to certain
factors,  such as, among others,  variations in anticipated or actual results of
operations  of the  Company or other  companies  in the  homebuilding  industry,
changes in conditions  affecting  the economy  generally,  analysts'  reports or
general  trends  in the  industry,  as well as other  factors  unrelated  to the
Company's operating results.

Item 6.       Selected Financial and Operating Data

         The  following  table  sets  forth  selected  historical   consolidated
financial  data of the  Company  for each of the years in the  five-year  period
ended December 31, 1996. The selected annual historical  consolidated  financial
data for 1996 are derived from the Company's  Consolidated  Financial Statements
audited by KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP,  independent  auditors.  The selected  annual
historical consolidated financial data for 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992 are derived
from the Company's  Consolidated  Financial  Statements audited by Ernst & Young
LLP,  independent  auditors.  For additional  information,  see the Consolidated
Financial  Statements of the Company  included  elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The following table should be read in conjunction with  Management's  Discussion
and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations."  Due to the
Merger, the historical  results are not indicative of future results.  Pro forma
financial  information  reflecting  the  Merger  is set  forth in  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  --
Pro-Forma Results of Operations."
                                       25
<PAGE>
                     Historical Consolidated Financial Data
                  (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1996           1995           1994            1993           1992
                                                     -----------    ------------   ------------   ------------   -------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        
Income Statement Data:
Income (loss) from mortgage assets.................     $2,244         $ 3,564       $ (1,203)       $ (21,814)    $  (14,068)

Interest expense...................................        238             868          1,383            2,274          2,750
General, administrative and other expense..........      1,710           1,599          1,938            1,822          2,315
Income (loss) before effect of accounting change
 and extraordinary loss............................        296           1,097         (4,524)         (25,910)       (19,133)
Cumulative effect of accounting change(1)..........      --              --             --              (6,078)         --
Extraordinary loss(2)..............................       (149)          --             --               --             --
                                                     ---------      ----------     ----------     ------------   ------------
Net income (loss)..................................     $  147         $ 1,097       $ (4,524)       $ (31,988)    $  (19,133)
                                                     =========      ==========     ==========     ============   ============
Income (loss) per share before effect of
accounting change/extraordinary loss...............     $  .09         $   .34       $  (1.40)       $   (7.98)    $    (5.79)
Cumulative effect of accounting change per share...      --              --              --              (1.89)           --
Extraordinary loss per share.......................       (.05)          --              --               -               --
                                                     ---------      ----------     ----------     ------------   ------------
Net income (loss) per share........................     $  .04         $   .34       $  (1.40)       $   (9.87)    $    (5.79)
                                                                                       
                                                     =========      ==========     ==========     ============   ============
Cash dividends per share(3)........................     $  .06         $   .09       $    .06        $     .09     $     1.20
                                                     =========      ==========     ==========     ============   ============

                                                                                    At December 31,
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1996(4)           1995           1994            1993          1992
                                                     ------------    ------------   ------------    ------------  -----------
Balance Sheet Data:
Real estate loans..................................     $1,696         $ 4,048        $ 9,260          $   320     $      0
Residual interests.................................      3,909           5,457          7,654           17,735       66,768
Total Assets.......................................     72,821          27,816         31,150           43,882       87,063
Notes Payable......................................     30,542           7,819         11,783           19,926       31,000
Total liabilities..................................     45,876           9,368         13,508           21,505       32,357
Stockholders' equity...............................     26,945          18,448         17,642           22,377       54,706
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------

(1)  Reflects  the  cumulative  effect of adoption  of  Statement  of  Financial
     Accounting  Standards No. 115,  "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
     and Equity Securities."
(2)  Reflects extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of long-term debt.
(3)  For any  taxable  year in which the  Company  qualified  and  elected to be
     treated as a REIT under the Code,  the  Company  was not subject to federal
     income tax on that portion of its taxable  income that was  distributed  to
     stockholders  in  or  with  respect  to  that  year.   Regardless  of  such
     distributions,  however, the Company may be subject to tax on certain types
     of income.  Due to the  Merger,  the  Company  did not qualify as a REIT in
     1996.
(4)  Reflects the Merger consummated on December 31, 1996.
                                       26
<PAGE>
Item 7.       Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of  Financial Condition and
              Results of Operations

         As a result of the  Merger,  the  primary  business  of the Company has
changed from the making of real estate loans to homebuilding.  Accordingly, this
Annual  Report on Form 10-K  includes  discussion  and analysis of the financial
condition and results of operation for the Company,  as well as a discussion and
analysis of the pro forma results of operations  of the Company  reflecting  the
Merger as though the Merger was consummated on January 1, 1995.

                        Historical Results of Operations

         Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to 1995

         The  Company  had net  income  of  $147,000  or $.04 per  share in 1996
compared to income of $1,097,000 or $.34 per share in 1995. Results for the year
ended  December  31,  1996  include  an   extraordinary   loss  from  the  early
extinguishment of debt of $148,000 or $.05 per share.

         The  Company's  income  from  Mortgage  Assets was  $2,244,000  in 1996
compared to income of $3,565,000 in 1995.  Interest  income on real estate loans
decreased  from  $1,618,000  in 1995 to $571,000 in 1996 due to the reduction of
the Company's real estate lending program.

         The  Company's  interest  expense  declined  from  $868,000  in 1995 to
$238,000 in 1996 due to a reduction of the average aggregate long-term debt.

         Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared to 1994

         The  Company  had net  income of  $1,097,000  or $.34 per share in 1995
compared to a net loss of $4,523,000 or $1.40 per share in 1994.

         The  Company's  income  from  Mortgage  Assets was  $3,565,000  in 1995
compared to a loss of $1,202,000 in 1994. The 1994 loss included a net charge of
$3,343,000  to write down the Company's  investments  in several of its residual
interests.

         Interest  income on real estate loans increased from $1,112,000 in 1994
to $1,618,000 in 1995 due to the expansion of the Company's  real estate lending
program.

         The Company's  interest  expense  declined  from  $1,383,000 in 1994 to
$868,000 in 1995 due to a reduction of the average aggregate long-term debt.

         General and  administrative  expenses in 1994 include $340,000 of legal
and investment banking expenses related to merger  negotiations with a privately
held company which were subsequently terminated.
                                       27
<PAGE>
Liquidity, Capital Resources and Commitments

         Liquidity,  capital resources and commitments  should be viewed for the
combined Company in light of the Merger.  As a result,  the following  discusses
the liquidity,  capital  resources and commitments of the combined  Company as a
result of the Merger.

         The Company  uses a  combination  of existing  cash,  unused  borrowing
capacity,  internally  generated funds and customer deposits to meet its working
capital  requirements.  At December 31, 1996,  the Company had $20.0  million in
short-term,   secured,   revolving   construction   loan   agreements  of  which
approximately  $7.3 million was  outstanding.  The Company also had  outstanding
approximately  $9.6  million at December 31, 1996 of secured  construction  loan
agreements.

         The Indenture  relating to the Company's 13% Senior  Subordinated Notes
and the Company's  various loan  agreements  contain  restrictions  which could,
depending  on  the  circumstances,   affect  the  Company's  ability  to  obtain
additional financing in the future. If the Company at any time is not successful
in  obtaining  sufficient  capital  to fund  its  then-planned  development  and
expansion  costs,  some or all of its projects may be  significantly  delayed or
abandoned.  Any such delay or abandonment  could result in cost increases or the
loss of  revenues  and could have a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company's
results of operation and ability to repay its indebtedness.

         The  cash  flow  for  each  of the  Company's  communities  can  differ
substantially from reported earnings, depending on the status of the development
cycle.  The early stages of development or expansion  require  significant  cash
outlays for,  among other things,  land  acquisition,  obtaining  plat and other
approvals,  construction of amenities which may include community tennis courts,
swimming pools and ramadas,  model homes,  roads,  certain utilities and general
landscaping.  Since  these  costs  are  capitalized,  this can  result in income
reported   for   financial   statement   purposes   during  those  early  stages
significantly  exceeding cash flow.  After the early stages of  development  and
expansion when these  expenditures are made, cash flow can significantly  exceed
income  reported for financial  statement  purposes,  as cost of sales  includes
charges for substantial amounts of previously expended costs.

         At  December  31,  1996,   the  Company  had  a  net   operating   loss
carryforward,  for income tax purposes, of approximately  $53,000,000.  This tax
loss may be carried forward,  with certain  restrictions,  for up to 13 years to
offset future taxable income, if any.

         Impact of Inflation

         Periods of high inflation can have a negative  impact on the operations
of the  Company.  Real estate and  residential  housing  demand are  affected by
inflation, which can cause increases
                                       28
<PAGE>
in interest rates, the price of land, raw materials and subcontracted  labor. An
increase in interest rates  corresponds  with higher  construction and financing
costs,  which can result in lower  gross  margins or in  losses.  High  mortgage
interest  rates  may also make it more  difficult  for the  Company's  potential
customers  to finance the  purchase  of a new home or to sell an existing  home.
Unless costs are recovered  through  greater  sales  prices,  gross margins will
decrease and losses may be incurred. A prospective buyer's ability to afford new
housing may also be affected by an increase in sales  price,  whether the result
of inflation or demand.

         Seasonality

         The  Company has  historically  closed more units in the second half of
the fiscal year than in the first  half,  due in part to the  slightly  seasonal
nature of the market for its  semi-custom,  luxury  product  homes.  The Company
expects that this  seasonal  trend will  continue in the future,  but may change
slightly as operations expand within the move-up segment of the market.
                                       29
<PAGE>
                         Pro Forma Results of Operations

         The analysis of the  activities and operations of the Company should be
considered  in  light  of  the   operations  of  Monterey.   To  assist  in  the
understanding  of those  operations  management has prepared pro forma condensed
combined operating results for discussion purposes.  Those results are presented
for the years ended  December  31, 1996 and 1995 and they  reflect the impact of
combining  Monterey  with the  Company as though  the  acquisition  occurred  on
January 1, 1995.  These results are presented  only for purposes of analysis and
they are not meant to be indicative  of future  results of  operations,  nor are
they meant to be considered for purposes other than additional information.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Pro Forma Results of Operations
                                                                      For the Year Ended December 31,
                                                                      -------------------------------
                                                                     1996                        1995
                                                        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

<S>                                                              <C>                         <C>     
Sales revenue                                                    $ 87,754                    $ 71,491
Cost of Sales                                                      75,099                      60,557
                                                                   ------                      ------
    Gross profit                                                   12,655                      10,934
Selling, general and administrative                                 7,777                       6,792
                                                                   ------                      ------
    Operating income                                                4,878                       4,142

Other income                                                        1,998                       2,836
                                                                   ------                      ------
    Earnings before income taxes                                    6,876                       6,978

Income tax expense                                                    756                         768
                                                                   ------                      ------
    Net earnings                                                   $6,120                      $6,210
                                                                   ======                      ======
 
Earnings per share                                                  $1.27                       $1.28
                                                                    =====                       =====
</TABLE>
- --------------------

         The key  assumptions  in the pro forma results of operations  relate to
the following:

         (1)  The transaction was consummated on January 1, 1995.
         (2)  Compensation  expense  was adjusted to add the new employees' cost
              and to deduct the terminated employees' cost.
         (3)  The  net operating  loss was utilized to reduce the maximum amount
              of taxable income possible.

         General

         Monterey's  results of  operations  for any period are affected by many
factors  such as the number of  development  projects  under  construction,  the
length of the development cycle of each
                                       30
<PAGE>
project,  product mix and design, weather,  availability of financing,  suitable
development  sites,   material  and  labor,  and  national  and  local  economic
conditions.  Historically,  Monterey has operated  primarily in the semi-custom,
luxury  segment of the  homebuilding  industry.  Monterey's  expansion  into the
move-up  segment of the market has  resulted in product mix and design  becoming
more  influential  factors  affecting  the  average  home sales  price and gross
margins. Monterey experiences greater competition from other homebuilders in the
move-up  segment of the market  that can affect its  ability to  increase  sales
prices  even if costs are rising.  The  average  sales price of homes is further
influenced by home size and desirability of project locations.

         During the past several years the demand for homes and  availability of
capital for land  acquisition,  development and home construction in Arizona has
increased. In response to these conditions, Monterey has expanded its operations
to acquire additional sites for development of new projects.  As of December 31,
1996, Monterey was actively selling homes in twelve communities and preparing to
open for sales in one new community. At December 31, 1995, Monterey was actively
selling homes in five communities.  There can be no assurance that the favorable
conditions in Arizona will continue,  and although housing demand in the Phoenix
metropolitan area during 1996 was at record levels, recent reports indicate that
there  will  be  a  significant  slowing  in  new  home  sales  in  the  Phoenix
metropolitan  area and that new home sales in the Tucson  metropolitan area will
remain  relatively  flat in 1997.  In  addition,  housing  permits in the Tucson
metropolitan area remained relatively flat from 1995 to 1996.

         Due to faster than  anticipated  sales and closing  rates  occurring in
certain  Monterey  subdivisions  during  1995 and the  slower  than  anticipated
completion of lot development in four new subdivisions in late 1995,  Monterey's
inventory of finished lots entering  1996 was lower than  expected.  In spite of
the low beginning lot  inventory,  Monterey was able to complete and begin sales
of these lots in 1996, and along with sales in new  communities,  increased unit
sales and home closing  revenue in the Scottsdale  Area in 1996.  Start up costs
incurred  by in the Tucson Area and merger  related  costs  negatively  impacted
Monterey's net income in 1996. The  continuation  of Monterey's past revenue and
profitability  levels  is  dependent  on its  ability  to  identify  and  obtain
competitively priced and well located replacement land inventory.  Strong fourth
quarter  1996  deliveries  will  result  in a lower  than  usual  number of home
closings in the first quarter of 1997, which will have a material adverse effect
on the Company's operating results in the first quarter of 1997.

         Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to 1995

         Home Sales Revenue.  Monterey's housing sales revenue for any period is
the  product of the  number of units  closed  during the period and the  average
sales price per unit.
                                       31
<PAGE>
         The following  table presents  comparative  1996 and 1995 housing sales
revenue.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  
                                                                                  
                                                                                  
                                                                                  Dollar/Unit     Percentage 
        (Dollars in Thousands)                     Year Ending December 31,        Increase         Increase 
                                                     1996              1995       (Decrease)       (Decrease)
                                                     ----              ----       ----------       ----------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>             <C>                <C>  
Dollars................................           $86,829           $67,926         $18,903            27.8%
Units Closed...........................               307               239              68            28.5%
Average Sales Price....................            $282.8            $284.2           ($1.4)           (1.0%)
</TABLE>

         The increase in revenues of approximately  $19 million during 1996 over
the previous year was caused by the increase in unit closings  partially  offset
by lower average sales prices.  The average sales price decreased from the prior
year due to an increase in closings  produced by Monterey's lower priced move-up
subdivisions,  which made up approximately  55% of the homes closed in 1996. The
average sales price of Monterey's luxury,  semi-custom product line is in excess
of $300,000 and Monterey's move-up product line averages $205,000. Unit closings
increased  due to the  growth  in the  number  of  subdivisions  producing  home
closings from nine in the prior year to fifteen in the current year.

         Land Sales Revenue.  Monterey  closed one land sale during 1996,  which
produced  revenue of $925,000  and gross  profit of  $506,000  and sold one land
parcel during 1995,  which  produced  revenue of $3,565,000  and gross profit of
$433,000.

         Gross Profit.  Gross profit equals sales revenue, net of cost of sales,
which include  developed lot costs,  unit  construction  costs,  amortization of
common  community  costs (such as the cost of model  complex and  architectural,
legal and zoning costs),  interest,  sales tax, warranty,  construction overhead
and closing costs.

         The following table presents comparative 1996 and 1995 gross profit.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Dollar/Unit         Percentage
(Dollars in Thousands)                                      Year ending December 31,      Increase           Increase
                                                              1996              1995     (Decrease)         (Decrease)
                                                              ----              ----     ----------         ----------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>             <C>                 <C>  
Dollars........................................            $12,665           $10,934         $1,721              15.7%
Percent of Housing Revenues....................              14.6%             16.1%           (1.5%)            (9.3%)
</TABLE>
         The  increase  in gross  profit is  primarily  attributable  to a 27.8%
increase in dollar  revenues  offset  slightly  by a 1.5%  decrease in the gross
profit margin.  The gross profit margin decreased  slightly mainly due to higher
lot costs and  capitalized  interest in cost of sales which was mostly offset by
lower direct construction costs and construction overhead.
                                       32
<PAGE>
         Interest  incurred  and  capitalized  by Monterey  was  $3,700,000  and
$2,240,000 in 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Interest  amortized and included in
cost of  sales in 1996 was  $2,600,000  compared  to  $1,700,000  in 1995.  As a
percentage of revenue the amortized amounts in 1996 and 1995 were 3.0% and 2.4%,
respectively.

         Selling,  General and Administrative Expenses. The selling, general and
administrative  expenses category includes advertising,  model and sales office,
sales administration, commissions and corporate overhead costs. Selling, general
and  administrative  expenses were approximately $7.8 million for the year ended
December  31,  1996  compared to  approximately  $6.8  million  for 1995.  Sales
commissions  paid in 1996 were  $2,581,000  compared to  $2,039,000  in 1995, an
increase  of 27%,  based on greater  sales  volume.  There  were also  increased
advertising  and overhead  expenses  generated in supporting a greater number of
active subdivisions

         Net Earnings.  Net earnings decreased to approximately $6.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996 from  approximately  $6.2 million for the prior
year. This decrease is primarily the result of a $1 million decrease in interest
income  from real  estate  loans  along with  increased  selling and general and
administrative  expenses offset by greater gross profit  recognized from housing
revenues.

         Other Operating Matters

         Net  Orders.  Net orders for any period  represent  the number of units
ordered by customers  (net of units  canceled)  multiplied  by the average sales
price per units ordered.

         The following table presents comparative 1996 and 1995 net orders.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
       (Dollars in Thousands)                                                    Dollar/Unit       Percentage
                                                Year Ending December 31,           Increase         Increase
                                                1996                1995          (Decrease)       (Decrease)
                                                ----                ----           --------         -------- 
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>                  <C>               <C>  
Dollars.............................         $90,182             $59,933              30,249            50.5%
Units Ordered.......................             283                 241                  42            17.4%
Average Sales.......................          $318.6              $248.7               $69.9            28.1%
</TABLE>

         The dollar volume of net orders  increased by 50.5% over the prior year
due to an increase in average  sales  prices and higher unit sales.  The average
sales price  increased due to a greater portion of sales occurring in Monterey's
lower-priced  move-up  communities  during the prior year.  The  increase in net
orders is primarily  attributable to a greater number of  subdivisions  open for
sale.

         Monterey does not include sales which are  contingent  upon the sale of
the  customer's  existing  home as orders  until  the  contingency  is  removed.
Historically  Monterey has  experienced a cancellation  rate of less than 16% of
gross sales.
                                       33
<PAGE>
         Net Sales Backlog. Backlog represents net orders of Monterey which have
not closed.

         The  following  table  presents  comparative  1996 and  1995 net  sales
backlog.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
       (Dollars in Thousands)                                                     Dollar/Unit          Percentage 
                                                Year Ending December 31,            Increase            Increase  
                                                1996                1995           (Decrease)          (Decrease) 
                                                ----                ----            --------            --------  
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>                    <C>                 <C>  
Dollars.............................         $42,661             $37,891                4,770               12.6%
Units Ordered.......................             120                 144                  (24)             (16.7%)
Average Sales.......................          $355.5              $263.1                $92.4               35.1%
</TABLE>
         Dollar backlog increased 12.6% over the December 31, 1995 amount due to
an increase in average sales price. Average sales price has increased due to the
sell out of Monterey's  lower-priced Vintage Condominium subdivision and greater
sales in the  other  move-up  communities.  Units in  backlog  decreased  due to
seasonal fluctuations which cause year-end backlog to typically be lower than at
other times during the year.
                                       34
<PAGE>
         Financial and Operating Data of Monterey Prior to the Merger

         As a result  of the  Merger,  management  believes  that  the  Combined
Financial  Data for Monterey for the year ended  December 31, 1996, and for each
of the years in the five-year period then ended, are also relevant in evaluating
the Company's operating results on a going forward basis. Accordingly, the table
below sets forth certain financial and operating data regarding Monterey.


                        Monterey Combined Financial Data
                  (Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Year Ended December 31,
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1996            1995             1994             1993             1992
                                                     -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>    
Operating Statement Data:
Total revenues.....................................      $87,754         $71,491          $60,941          $40,543          $35,111
Cost of sales......................................       74,874          60,332           50,655           34,664           29,544
Selling, general and administrative expenses.......        6,863           4,899            4,123            3,267            3,383
                                                     -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Operating income...................................        6,017           6,260            6,163            2,612            2,184
Other income (expense).............................          (49)            141              102              (92)              32
                                                     -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Net earnings.......................................       $5,968         $ 6,401          $ 6,265          $ 2,520          $ 2,216
                                                     ===========     ===========     ============     ============     ============



                                                                                Year Ended December 31,
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1996            1995             1994             1993             1992
                                                     -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Operating Data: (Unaudited)
Unit sales contracts (net of cancellations)........          283             241              243              167              151
Units closed.......................................          307             239              201              142              133
Units in backlog at end of period..................          120             144              142              100               75
Aggregate sales value of homes in  backlog.........      $42,661         $37,891          $43,981          $30,826          $19,970
Average sales price per home closed................      $   283         $   284          $   299          $   285           $  264



                                                                                    At December 31,
                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1996(1)          1995             1994             1993             1992
                                                     -----------     -----------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Balance Sheet Data:
Real estate under development......................      $36,501         $33,929          $17,917          $13,736           $9,553
Total assets.......................................       45,741          42,654           28,820           19,227           12,366
Notes payable......................................       30,542          24,316           12,255            7,632            3,463
Stockholders' equity...............................        1,783           9,108            6,898            3,121            2,193
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
(1)      Does not reflect the Merger consummated on December 31, 1996
                                       35
<PAGE>
                     Factors That May Affect Future Results
                     and Financial Condition of the Company

         The Company's  future  operating  results and  financial  condition are
dependent on the Company's ability to successfully  design,  develop,  construct
and sell homes that satisfy dynamic customer demand  patterns.  Inherent in this
process are a number of factors  that the Company  must  successfully  manage in
order to achieve  favorable  future operating  results and financial  condition.
Potential  risks and  uncertainties  that  could  affect  the  Company's  future
operating  results and financial  condition  include,  without  limitation,  the
factors discussed below.

         Homebuilding  Industry Factors.  The homebuilding  industry is cyclical
and is  significantly  affected by changes in national  and local  economic  and
other conditions, such as employment levels, availability of financing, interest
rates,  consumer  confidence and housing demand.  Although the Company  believes
that its customers  (particularly  purchasers of luxury homes) are somewhat less
price  sensitive  than  generally  is the  case  for  other  homebuilders,  such
uncertainties  could adversely  affect the Company's  performance.  In addition,
homebuilders are subject to various risks, many of which are outside the control
of the homebuilders,  including delays in construction schedules, cost overruns,
changes in government regulation, increases in real estate taxes and other local
government  fees,  and  availability  and cost of land,  materials,  and  labor.
Although the principal raw materials used in the homebuilding industry generally
are available from a variety of sources,  such materials are subject to periodic
price fluctuations.  There can be no assurance that the occurrence of any of the
foregoing will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

         Customer demand for new housing also impacts the homebuilding industry.
Real estate  analysts  predict  that new home sales in the Phoenix  metropolitan
area may slow  significantly  during  1997 and 1998 and that  such  sales in the
Tucson  metropolitan  area will remain relatively flat in 1997. Any such slowing
in new home sales would have a material adverse affect on the Company's business
and operating results.

         The  homebuilding  industry  further is subject  to the  potential  for
significant  variability and fluctuations in real estate values, as evidenced by
the  changes in real estate  values in recent  years in  Arizona.  Although  the
Company believes that its projects are currently  reflected on its balance sheet
at appropriate values, no assurance can be given that write-downs of some or all
of the Company's  projects will not occur if market conditions  deteriorate,  or
that such write-downs will not be material in amount.

         Fluctuations   in  Operating   Results.   Monterey   historically   has
experienced,  and in the future the Company  expects to continue to  experience,
variability  in home  sales  and net  earnings  on a  quarterly  basis.  Factors
expected to contribute to this variability include,  among others (i) the timing
of home  closings  and land  sales,  (ii) the  Company's  ability to continue to
acquire  additional  land or options to acquire  additional  land on  acceptable
terms,  (iii) the condition of the real estate market and the general economy in
Arizona and in other areas into which the Company
                                       36
<PAGE>
may expand its operations, (iv) the cyclical nature of the homebuilding industry
and  changes in  prevailing  interest  rates and the  availability  of  mortgage
financing,  (v) costs or shortages of  materials  and labor,  and (vi) delays in
construction schedules due to strikes,  adverse weather conditions,  acts of God
or the availability of subcontractors or governmental restrictions.  As a result
of such variability,  Monterey's  historical financial  performance may not be a
meaningful indicator of the Company's future results.

         Expansion  into Tucson  Market.  The Company  began  operations  in the
Tucson,  Arizona area in April 1996. Such operations are in the early stage and,
accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company's Tucson operations will
be successful.

         Interest Rates and Mortgage  Financing.  The Company  believes that its
customers  (particularly  purchasers  of luxury  homes) have been  somewhat less
sensitive to interest rates than many  homebuyers.  However,  many purchasers of
the Company's homes  finance  their  acquisition   through  third-party  lenders
providing mortgage financing.  In general,  housing demand is adversely affected
by  increases  in interest  rates and housing  costs and the  unavailability  of
mortgage  financing.  If mortgage  interest  rates  increase  and the ability of
prospective buyers to finance home purchases is consequently adversely affected,
the  Company's  home  sales,  gross  margins,  and net income  may be  adversely
impacted and such adverse  impact may be material.  In any event,  the Company's
homebuilding  activities  are  dependent  upon  the  availability  and  costs of
mortgage  financing  for buyers of homes owned by  potential  customers so those
customers  ("move-up  buyers") can sell their homes and purchase a home from the
Company.  Any limitations or restrictions on the  availability of such financing
could adversely affect the Company's home sales. Furthermore, changes in federal
income tax laws may affect  demand for new homes.  From time to time,  proposals
have been  publicly  discussed  to limit  mortgage  interest  deductions  and to
eliminate or limit tax-free rollover  treatment provided under current law where
the  proceeds  of the sale of a  principal  residence  are  reinvested  in a new
principal  residence.  Enactment of such proposals may have an adverse effect on
the homebuilding  industry in general,  and on demand for the Company's products
in  particular.  No prediction  can be made whether any such  proposals  will be
enacted and, if enacted, the particular form such laws would take.

         Competition.  The  homebuilding  industry  is  highly  competitive  and
fragmented.  Homebuilders  compete  for  desirable  properties,  financing,  raw
materials,  and skilled labor.  The Company  competes for residential home sales
with other  developers and individual  resales of existing homes.  The Company's
competitors  include large  homebuilding  companies,  some of which have greater
financial  resources than the Company,  and smaller  homebuilders,  who may have
lower costs than the  Company.  Competition  is expected to continue  and become
more  intense and there may be new  entrants in the markets in which the Company
currently operates.  Further,  the Company will face a variety of competitors in
other new markets it may enter in the future.

         Lack of  Geographic,  Limited  Product  Diversification.  The Company's
operations are presently  localized in the metropolitan  Phoenix,  Arizona area,
particularly in the City of 
                                       37
<PAGE>
Scottsdale.  The Company began operations in Tucson,  Arizona in April 1996. The
Company  currently  operates in two primary market  segments:  the  semi-custom,
luxury  market and the move-up  buyer market.  Failure to be  geographically  or
economically  diversified could have a material adverse impact on the Company if
the homebuilding market in Arizona should decline,  because there would not be a
balancing  opportunity  in a  healthier  market in other  geographic  regions or
market  segments.  In this  regard,  although  housing  permits  in the  Phoenix
metropolitan  area were at record  levels  during  1996,  real  estate  analysts
predict  that new home  sales  will  slow  significantly  during  1997 and 1998.
Housing  permits in the City of  Scottsdale  decreased  moderately  from 1995 to
1996. Housing permits in the Tucson  metropolitan area have remained  relatively
flat from 1995 to 1996,  and are  expected to remain flat in 1997.  In addition,
the Company's  limited  product line could have an adverse impact on the Company
compared to  homebuilders  who might have a variety of homes in different  price
ranges  such that the  results  in one  product  line  could  offset  changes in
another.

         Additional Financing; Limitations. The homebuilding industry is capital
intensive and requires  significant  up-front  expenditures  to acquire land and
begin development.  Accordingly,  the Company incurs substantial indebtedness to
finance  its  homebuilding  activities.  At December  31,  1996,  the  Company's
liabilities totaled  approximately  $45,876,000.  The Company may be required to
seek  additional  capital in the form of equity or debt financing from a variety
of potential sources,  including bank financing and/or securities offerings.  In
addition,  lenders are increasingly  requiring  developers to invest significant
amounts of equity in a project both in connection with  origination of new loans
as well as the extension of existing  loans. If the Company is not successful in
obtaining sufficient capital to fund its planned capital and other expenditures,
new  projects  planned or begun may be delayed or  abandoned.  Any such delay or
abandonment  could result in a reduction in home sales and may adversely  affect
the Company's operating results.  There can be no assurance that additional debt
or equity  financing  will be available in the future or on terms  acceptable to
the Company.

         In addition,  the amount and types of indebtedness that the Company can
incur is limited by the terms and  conditions of its current  indebtedness.  The
Company must comply with numerous operating and financial  maintenance covenants
and  there  can be no  assurance  that  the  Company  will be  able to  maintain
compliance with such financial and other covenants.  Failure to comply with such
covenants  would  result in a default and  resulting  cross  defaults  under the
Company's  other  indebtedness,  and could  result in  acceleration  of all such
indebtedness.  Any such acceleration would have a material adverse affect on the
Company.

         Government Regulations;  Environmental  Considerations.  The Company is
subject to local,  state,  and federal  statutes  and rules  regulating  certain
developmental  matters,  as well as building and site design.  In addition,  the
Company  is  subject to various  fees and  charges of  governmental  authorities
designed  to defray the cost of  providing  certain  governmental  services  and
improvements.  The Company may be subject to additional  costs and delays or may
be precluded  entirely  from building  projects  because of "no growth" or "slow
growth"   initiatives,   building   permit   allocation   ordinances,   building
moratoriums, or similar government regulations
                                       38
<PAGE>
that  could  be  imposed  in the  future  due to  health,  safety,  welfare,  or
environmental concerns. The Company must also obtain certain licenses,  permits,
and  approvals  from  certain  government  agencies  to engage in certain of its
activities, the granting or receipt of which are beyond the Company's control.

         Monterey and its competitors are subject to a variety of local,  state,
and  federal  statutes,   ordinances,  rules,  and  regulations  concerning  the
protection  of  health  and  the  environment.   Environmental  laws  or  permit
restrictions  may  result in  project  delays,  may cause the  Company  to incur
substantial  compliance  and other  costs,  and may also  prohibit  or  severely
restrict development in certain  environmentally  sensitive regions or areas. In
addition,   environmental   regulations  can  have  an  adverse  impact  on  the
availability and price of certain raw materials such as lumber.

         Planned  Expansion.  The  Company  may in the future  expand into other
areas of the  Southwestern  and Western United States.  To date, the Company has
had no operating experience in areas other than its current markets.  Operations
in new  locations  may result in  certain  operating  inefficiencies  and higher
costs.  Further, the Company may experience problems with certain matters in new
markets which it has not historically had, such as zoning matters, environmental
matters,  other regulations and higher costs. There can be no assurance that the
Company  can  expand  into  new  markets  on a  profitable  basis or that it can
successfully manage its expansion in such new markets, if any.

         Future  Acquisitions.   The  Company  may  acquire  other  homebuilding
companies to expand its operations.  There is no assurance that the Company will
identify acquisition candidates that would result in successful  combinations or
that  any  such  acquisitions  will be  consummated  on  acceptable  terms.  The
magnitude,  timing and nature of any future acquisitions will depend on a number
of factors,  including  suitable  acquisition  candidates,  the  negotiation  of
acceptable terms, the Company's financial capabilities, and general economic and
business  conditions.  Any  future  acquisitions  by the  Company  may result in
potentially   dilative  issuances  of  equity  securities,   the  incurrence  of
additional debt and  amortization of expenses related to goodwill and intangible
assets that could  adversely  affect the Company's  profitability.  In addition,
acquisitions involve numerous risks,  including difficulties in the assimilation
of operations of the acquired company,  the diversion of management's  attention
from other business concerns, risks of entering markets in which the Company has
had no or only limited direct experience and the potential loss of key employees
of the acquired company.

         Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company's success is largely dependent
on the continuing services of certain key persons, including William W. Cleverly
and Steven J.  Hilton,  and the ability of the Company to attract new  personnel
required to continue the  development  of the  Company.  The Company has entered
into five-year employment agreements with each of Messrs. Cleverly and Hilton. A
loss by the Company of the  services of Messrs.  Cleverly or Hilton,  or certain
other key persons, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
                                       39
<PAGE>
         Dependence on Subcontractors. The Company conducts its business only as
a general contractor in connection with the design, development and construction
of its  communities.  Virtually  all  architectural  and  construction  work  is
performed by  subcontractors  of the Company.  As a consequence,  the Company is
dependent  upon the  continued  availability  and  satisfactory  performance  by
unaffiliated  third-party  subcontractors  in designing  and building its homes.
There  is no  assurance  that  there  will be  sufficient  availability  of such
subcontractors  to the Company,  and the lack of availability of  subcontractors
could have a material adverse affect on the Company.

         Mortgage Asset  Considerations.  As of December 31, 1996, the Company's
portfolio of residual  interests had a net balance of approximately  $3,909,000.
The results of the Company's  operations  will depend,  in part, on the level of
net cash flows generated by the Company's  mortgage assets.  Net cash flows vary
primarily  as a result of  changes  in  mortgage  prepayment  rates,  short-term
interest rates,  reinvestment  income and borrowing  costs, all of which involve
various risks and uncertainties.  Prepayment rates, interest rates, reinvestment
income and  borrowing  costs  depend  upon the nature and terms of the  mortgage
assets,  the geographic  location of the properties  securing the mortgage loans
included in or underlying the mortgage assets,  conditions in financial markets,
the fiscal and monetary  policies of the United States  Government and the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, international economic and financial
conditions,  competition and other factors,  none of which can be predicted with
any certainty.

         The rates of return to the Company on its mortgage assets will be based
upon the levels of  prepayments  on the mortgage loans included in or underlying
such mortgage  instruments,  the rates of interest or pass-through rates on such
mortgage securities that bear variable interest or pass-through rates, and rates
of reinvestment income and expenses with respect to such mortgage securities.

         Prepayment Risk.  Mortgage  prepayment rates vary from time to time and
may cause  declines in the amount and duration of the  Company's net cash flows.
Prepayments  of fixed-rate  mortgage  loans  included in or underlying  mortgage
instruments  generally  increase when then current mortgage  interest rates fall
below  the  interest  rates on the  fixed-rate  mortgage  loans  included  in or
underlying such mortgage instruments.  Conversely,  prepayments of such mortgage
loans generally  decrease when then current  mortgage  interest rates exceed the
interest  rates on the mortgage  loans  included in or underlying  such mortgage
instruments.  Prepayment  experience  also  may be  affected  by the  geographic
location of the mortgage loan included in or  underlying  mortgage  instruments,
the types (whether fixed or adjustable  rate) and  assumability of such mortgage
loans,  conditions  in the mortgage  loan,  housing and financial  markets,  and
general economic conditions.

         No assurance can be given as to the actual  prepayment rate of mortgage
loan included in or underlying the mortgage instruments in which the Company has
an interest.

         Interest Rate Fluctuation  Risks.  Changes in interest rates affect the
performance  of the  Company's  mortgage  assets.  A  portion  of  the  mortgage
securities secured by the Company's
                                       40
<PAGE>
mortgage  instruments  and a portion of the mortgage  securities with respect to
which  the  Company  holds  mortgage   interests   bear  variable   interest  or
pass-through  rates  based  on  short-term  interest  rates  (primarily  LIBOR).
Consequently,  changes in short-term interest rates significantly  influence the
Company's net cash flows.

         Increases in short-term  interest  rates  increase the interest cost on
variable rate mortgage  securities and, thus, tend to decrease the Company's net
cash  flows  from its  mortgage  assets.  Conversely,  decreases  in  short-term
interest  rates  decrease  the  interest  cost  on the  variable  rate  mortgage
securities  and,  thus,  tend to increase such net cash flows.  As stated above,
increases in mortgage  interest  rates  generally tend to increase the Company's
net cash flows by  reducing  mortgage  prepayments,  and  decreases  in mortgage
interest  rates  generally  tend to  decrease  the  Company's  net cash flows by
increasing mortgage prepayments. Therefore, the negative impact on the Company's
net cash flows of an increase in short-term  interest  rates  generally  will be
offset in whole or in part by a  corresponding  decrease  in  mortgage  interest
rates.  However,  although short-term interest rates and mortgage interest rates
normally change in the same direction and therefore  generally offset each other
as described  above,  they may not change  proportionally  or may even change in
opposite  directions  during a given  period  of time with the  result  that the
adverse  effect from an increase in short-term  interest rates may not be offset
to a significant extent by a favorable effect on prepayment  experience and visa
versa. Thus, the net effect of changes in short-term and mortgage interest rates
may vary significantly between periods resulting in significant  fluctuations in
net cash flows from the Company's mortgage assets.

         No  assurances  can be given as to the  amount or timing of  changes in
interest  rates or their  effect  on the  Company's  mortgage  assets  or income
therefrom.

         Inability to Predict Effects of Market Risks. Because none of the above
factors  including  changes in prepayment  rates,  interest rates,  expenses and
borrowing  costs are  susceptible  to  accurate  projection,  the net cash flows
generated by the Company's mortgage assets cannot be predicted.

Item 8.       Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

         Financial Statements of the Company as of December 31, 1996 and for the
year then ended, together with related notes and the Report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP,  independent  auditors,  and  financial  statements  of the  Company  as of
December  31,  1995 and for  each of the  years in the  two-year  period  ending
December 31, 1995,  together  with related notes and the Report of Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors,  are set forth on the following pages. Other required
financial  information  set forth  herein  is more  fully  described  in Item 14
hereof.
                                       41
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monterey Homes Corporation

       We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  balance sheet of Monterey
Homes  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  (previously  known as  Homeplex  Mortgage
Investments  Corporation  and  subsidiaries)  as of  December  31,  1996 and the
related consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholders'  equity, and cash
flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the  Company's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

       We conducted our audit in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

       In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements referred to above,
present  fairly in all material  respects,  the  financial  position of Monterey
Homes  Corporation and  subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.


                                                           KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
February 21, 1997
                                       42
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monterey Homes Corporation

       We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  balance sheet of Monterey
Homes  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  (previously  known as  Homeplex  Mortgage
Investments  Corporation  and  subsidiaries)  as of  December  31,  1995 and the
related consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholders'  equity, and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended  December  31,  1995.  These
financial  statements are the  responsibility of the Company's  management.  Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

       We conducted our audits in accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

       In our opinion,  the consolidated  financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Monterey  Homes  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  as of December 31, 1995 and the
consolidated  results of their  operations  and their cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended  December 31, 1995, in conformity  with  generally
accepted accounting principles.


                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
February 13, 1996
                                       43
<PAGE>
                   MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           December 31, 1996 and 1995


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996            1995
                                                              ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>         
ASSETS
     Cash and cash equivalents                                $ 15,567,918    $  3,347,243
     Short-term investments (Note 3)                             4,696,495       8,969,100
     Real estate loans and other receivables (Note 4)            2,623,502       4,047,815
     Real estate under development (Note 5)                     35,991,142            --
     Option deposits                                               546,000            --
     Residual interests (Note 6)                                 3,909,090       5,457,165
     Other assets                                                  940,095         356,684
     Funds held by Trustee                                            --         5,637,948
     Deferred tax asset (Note 11)                                6,783,000            --
     Goodwill (Note 10)                                          1,763,488            --
                                                              ------------    ------------

                                                              $ 72,820,730    $ 27,815,955
                                                              ============    ============


LIABILITIES
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                 $ 10,569,872    $  1,549,481
     Home sale deposits                                          4,763,518            --
     Notes payable (Note 7)                                     30,542,276       7,818,824
                                                              ------------    ------------

        Total Liabilities                                       45,875,666       9,368,305
                                                              ------------    ------------


STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  (Notes 8 and 10)
     Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000
       shares authorized; issued and outstanding - 4,580,611
       shares at December 31, 1996, and 3,291,885 shares at
       December 31, 1995                                            45,806          32,919
     Additional paid-in capital                                 92,643,658      84,112,289
     Accumulated deficit                                       (65,334,117)    (65,287,275)
     Treasury stock - 53,046 shares                               (410,283)       (410,283)
                                                              ------------    ------------

        Total Stockholders' Equity                              26,945,064      18,447,650
                                                              ------------    ------------

     Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9 and 12)
                                                              $ 72,820,730    $ 27,815,955
                                                              ============    ============
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                       44
<PAGE>
                   MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1996           1995           1994
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>        
Income (loss) from Mortgage Assets
     Interest income on real estate loans                   $   571,139    $ 1,618,308    $ 1,112,445
     Income (loss) from residual interests (Note 6)           1,039,247      1,283,045     (2,662,734)
     Other income                                               633,449        663,343        347,882
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
                                                              2,243,835      3,564,696     (1,202,407)
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 

Expenses
     Interest                                                   237,945        868,414      1,382,951
     General, administration and other                        1,683,407      1,599,157      1,938,047
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
                                                              1,921,352      2,467,571      3,320,998
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 

Income (loss) before income tax expense and
     extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt       322,483      1,097,125     (4,523,405)
Income tax expense (Note 11)                                     26,562           --             --
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
Income (loss) before extraordinary loss from early
     extinguishment of debt                                     295,921      1,097,125     (4,523,405)
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment
     of debt (Note 7)                                          (148,433)          --             --
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
Net Income (loss)                                           $   147,488    $ 1,097,125    ($4,523,405)
                                                            ===========    ===========    =========== 



Earnings (loss) per share:
Income before extraordinary loss from early
     extinguishment of debt                                 $      0.09    $      0.34    ($     1.40)
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt              (0.05)          --             --
                                                            -----------    -----------    ----------- 
Net Income (loss)                                           $      0.04    $      0.34    ($     1.40)
                                                            ===========    ===========    ===========

     Dividends declared per share                           $      0.06    $      0.09    $      0.06
                                                            ===========    ===========    ===========

     Weighted average common shares outstanding               3,334,562      3,245,767      3,240,204
                                                            ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                       45
<PAGE>
                   MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1996           1995            1994
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>          
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income (loss)                                                    $    147,488    $  1,097,125    ($ 4,523,405)
   Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
      by operating activities:
      Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt                   148,433            --              --
      Depreciation and amortization                                           38,300         122,970         332,429
      Amortization of residual interests                                   1,548,076       2,196,394       6,738,000
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                    153,350         370,454        (361,675)
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities        317,094        (272,828)        243,789
      Net write-downs and non-cash losses on residual interests                 --              --         3,342,773

                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------
   Net cash provided by operating activities                               2,352,741       3,514,115       5,771,911
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Cash acquired in Monterey Merger (Note 10)                              6,495,255            --              --
   Cash paid for Merger costs (Note 10)                                     (779,097)           --              --
   Principal payments received on real estate loans                        3,710,000       9,114,000         670,000
   Real estate loans funded                                               (1,358,457)     (3,902,000)     (9,610,000)
   (Increase) decrease in short term investments                           4,272,605      (8,969,100)           --
   Decrease in funds held by Trustee                                       5,637,948       1,082,549       2,040,528
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------
      Net cash provided (used in) by investing activities                 17,978,254      (2,674,551)     (6,899,472)
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
   Repayment of borrowings                                                (7,818,824)     (3,964,000)     (8,143,532)
   Distributions to shareholders                                            (291,496)       (194,330)       (291,951)
   Repurchases of common stock, net of common stock issuances                   --              --           (17,481)
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------
      Net cash used in financing activities                               (8,110,320)     (4,158,330)     (8,452,964)
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      12,220,675      (3,318,766)     (9,580,525)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                             3,347,243       6,666,009      16,246,534
                                                                        ------------    ------------    ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                $ 15,567,918    $  3,347,243    $  6,666,009
                                                                        ============    ============    ============


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid for interest                                               $    286,276    $    804,113    $  1,245,952
                                                                        ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                       46
<PAGE>
                   MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Additional
                                                      Number     Common      Paid-in      Accumulated      Treasury
                                                    of Shares     Stock      Capital        Deficit          Stock         Total
                                                    ----------  --------   ------------   ------------    ----------   ------------

<S>                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>             <C>          <C>       
Balance at December 31, 1993                         3,291,885  $ 32,919   $ 84,112,289   ($61,375,169)    ($392,802)    22,377,237
Treasury stock acquired - 5,067 shares                    --        --             --             --         (17,481)       (17,481)
Net loss                                                  --        --             --       (4,523,405)         --       (4,523,405)
Dividend declared                                         --        --             --         (194,330)         --         (194,330)
                                                    ----------  --------   ------------   ------------    ----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1994                         3,291,885    32,919     84,112,289    (66,092,904)     (410,283)    17,642,021
Net income                                                --        --             --        1,097,125          --        1,097,125
Dividend declared                                         --        --             --         (291,496)         --         (291,496)
                                                    ----------  --------   ------------   ------------    ----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1995                         3,291,885    32,919     84,112,289    (65,287,275)     (410,283)    18,447,650
Net income                                                --        --             --          147,488          --          147,488
Dividend declared                                         --        --             --         (194,330)         --         (194,330)
Shares issued in connection with Merger (Note 10)    1,288,726    12,887      8,531,369           --            --        8,544,256
                                                    ----------  --------   ------------   ------------    ----------   ------------

Balance at December 31, 1996                         4,580,611  $ 45,806   $ 92,643,658   ($65,334,117)    ($410,283)  $ 26,945,064
                                                    ==========  ========   ============   ============    ==========   ============
</TABLE>
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                       47
<PAGE>
                   MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994



NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

       Monterey Homes  Corporation  (previously  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation),  the  Company,  commenced  operations  in July 1988.  Prior to the
Merger (see Note 10),  the  Company's  main line of business  was  investing  in
mortgage  certificates  securing  collateralized  mortgage  obligations  (CMOs),
interests relating to mortgage  participation  certificates (MPCs) (collectively
residual  interests)  and  loans  secured  by real  estate  (see  Notes 4 and 3,
respectively).

       The combined  entities  intend to continue with Monterey  Homes' building
operations as its main line of business.  The operations are currently conducted
primarily in the Phoenix,  Scottsdale  and Tucson,  Arizona  markets,  which are
significantly  impacted by the strength of  surrounding  real estate markets and
levels of interest rates offered on home mortgage loans. The Arizona real estate
market is  currently  experiencing  strong  growth  and  current  home  mortgage
interest  rates are  favorable  for home  buyers and  sellers,  although  recent
reports  project a slowing in housing demand in the  metropolitan  Phoenix area,
and housing permits in the Tucson metropolitan area have increased only slightly
from 1995 to 1996. A decline in the Arizona real estate market or an increase in
interest  rates  could  have a  significant  impact on the  Company's  operating
results and estimates made by management. The Company utilizes various suppliers
and   subcontractors   and  is  not   dependent  on   individual   suppliers  or
subcontractors.

       Basis of Presentation

       The consolidated  financial  statements  include the accounts of Monterey
Homes   Corporation   and  its   wholly-owned   subsidiaries.   All  significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

       Upon  consummation of the Merger a  one-for-three  reverse stock split of
the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, $.01 par value per share, was
effected.  Except as otherwise indicated, the share information contained herein
reflects the one-for-three reverse stock split.


NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       Cash and Cash Equivalents

       For purposes of the  consolidated  statements of cash flows,  the Company
considers all  short-term  investments  purchased  with an original  maturity of
three  months  or less to be cash  equivalents.  Cash  and cash  equivalents  of
approximately $856,000 at December 31, 1996, is restricted as collateral for the
payment of the Company's short-term credit facility (Note 7).

       Real Estate Under Development

       Real estate under  development  includes  undeveloped  land and developed
lots,  homes under  construction  in various  stages of completion and completed
homes.  The Company values its real estate under  development in accordance with
Statement of Financial  Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived  Assets and for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of".
Accordingly,  amounts are carried at cost unless  expected future net cash flows
(undiscounted  and  without  interest)  are less than cost and then  amounts are
carried at estimated  fair value less cost to sell.  Adoption of this  Statement
did not have a
                                       48
<PAGE>
material impact on the Company's  financial  position,  results of operations or
liquidity.  Costs  capitalized  include  direct  construction  costs for  homes,
development  period  interest and certain  common costs which benefit the entire
subdivisions.  Cost of sales include land  acquisition  and  development  costs,
direct  construction costs of the home,  development period interest and closing
costs,  and an  allocation  of common  costs.  Common  costs are  allocated on a
subdivision by subdivision basis to residential lots based on the number of lots
to be built in the  subdivision,  which  approximates  the relative  sales value
method.

       Deposits  paid related to options to purchase  land are  capitalized  and
included in option  deposits until the related land is purchased.  Upon purchase
of the land,  the related option  deposits are  transferred to real estate under
development.

       Residual Interests

       Interests  relating to mortgage  participation  certificates and residual
interest certificates are accounted for as described in Note 6.

       Property and Equipment

       Property  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost,   net  of  accumulated
depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets,  which range from three to five years. Net
property and  equipment  was $268,096 and $11,195 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively,  and is included in other assets in the accompanying  consolidated
balance sheets for those years.

       Goodwill

       Goodwill,  which  represents the excess of purchase price over fair value
of net assets  acquired,  is amortized on a  straight-line  basis over 20 years,
which  is  the  expected  period  to be  benefited.  The  Company  assesses  the
recoverability of this intangible asset by determining  whether the amortization
of the  goodwill  balance  over  its  remaining  life can be  recovered  through
undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired  operation.  The amount
of goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future
operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company's average cost
of funds. The assessment of the  recoverability  of goodwill will be impacted if
estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved.

       Income Taxes

       The Company  accounts for income taxes in  accordance  with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes".  Under the asset and liability method of SFAS No.
109,  deferred  tax assets and  liabilities  are  recognized  for the future tax
consequences   attributable  to  differences  between  the  financial  statement
carrying  amounts of existing assets and  liabilities  and their  respective tax
bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable  income in future  years in which  those  temporary
differences  are expected to be  recovered  or settled.  Under SFAS No. 109, the
effect  on  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  of a change in tax rates is
recognized in the  consolidated  statement of operations as an adjustment to the
effective income tax rate in the period that includes the enactment date.

       Net Income (Loss) Per Share

       For 1996 and 1995,  primary net income per share is calculated  using the
weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent shares outstanding
during the year.  Common stock equivalents of 92,224 and 6,928 in 1996 and 1995,
respectively,  consist of dilutive stock options and contingent  stock. Net loss
per share for 1994 is  calculated  using the weighted  average  number of common
shares outstanding during the year.
                                       49
<PAGE>
       Use of Estimates

       Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and  assumptions
relating  to the  reporting  of assets and  liabilities  and the  disclosure  of
contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the  consolidated  financial
statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period to prepare  these  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting   principles.   Actual  results  could  differ  from  these
estimates.

       Fair Value of Financial Instruments

       The  carrying  amounts  of  the  Company's  receivables,  cash  and  cash
equivalents,  option deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and home
sale deposits  approximate their estimated fair values due to the short maturity
of these  assets and  liabilities.  The fair value of the  Company's  short-term
investments and residual  interests is discussed in Notes 3 and 6, respectively.
The carrying  amount of the  Company's  notes  payable  approximates  fair value
because the notes are at interest rates  comparable to market rates based on the
nature of the  loans,  their  terms  and the  remaining  maturity.  Considerable
judgment is required in  interpreting  market data to develop the  estimates  of
fair  value.  Accordingly,  these  fair  value  estimates  are  not  necessarily
indicative  of the  amounts the  Company  would pay or receive in actual  market
transactions.

       Stock Option Plan

       Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option plan
in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations.
As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the
current market price of the underlying  stock  exceeded the exercise  price.  On
January 1, 1996, the Company  adopted SFAS No. 123,  "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation",  which permits  entities to recognize as expense over the vesting
period  the  fair  value  of all  stock-based  awards  on  the  date  of  grant.
Alternatively,  SFAS No.  123 also  allows  entities  to  continue  to apply the
provisions  of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and pro forma
earnings per share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and
future years as if the fair-value-based  method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been
applied.  The Company has  elected to  continue to apply the  provisions  of APB
Opinion No. 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123.

       Reclassifications

       Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been  reclassified to conform with the
1996 financial statement presentation.


NOTE 3 - SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       At December 31,  1996,  short-term  investments,  recorded at fair value,
consist  of  three  CMO  PAC  bonds  with  a  combined   principal   balance  of
approximately $4,700,000,  estimated yields to maturity of approximately 5.2% to
5.4% and estimated  maturities of approximately  two to four months. At December
31, 1995, short-term investments consisted of a Treasury Bill with a face amount
of  $9,000,000,  maturity  date of January  25, 1996 and an  estimated  yield to
maturity of 5.30%.  Short-term  investments are restricted as collateral for the
payment of the Company's short-term credit facility (Note 7).


NOTE 4 - REAL ESTATE LOANS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

       The following is a summary of the real estate loans and other receivables
outstanding at December 31:
                                       50
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Interest                 Payment                         Principal and
    Description                  Rate                   Terms                         Carrying Amount (1)
    -----------                --------      -----------------------------         ---------------------------
                                                                                      1996             1995
                                                                                      ----             ----
<S>                               <C>        <C>                                   <C>             <C>       
First Deed of Trust on            16%        Interest only monthly, principal      $1,696,272      $1,277,413
41 acres of land in Gilbert,                 due October 18, 1997.
Arizona, face amount of
$2,800,000. (2)

First Deed of Trust on 33         16%        Paid in full in 1996.                          -       2,272,402
acres of land in Tempe,
Arizona.

First Deed of Trust on 21.4       16%        Paid in full in 1996.                          -         498,000
acres of land in Tempe,
Arizona.

Other receivables consisting        -        -                                        927,230               -
primarily of sales commission
advances and home closing
proceeds due from title com-
panies.
                                                                                   ----------      ----------
                                                                                   $2,623,502      $4,047,815
                                                                                   ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

(1)  Principal  payments on real estate loans were  $3,710,000 in 1996, and loan
     draws were $1,358,457 in 1996.

(2)  Loan was current at December 31, 1996.


NOTE 5 -  REAL ESTATE UNDER DEVELOPMENT

       The components of real estate under  development at December 31, 1996 are
as follows:

         Homes in production................................      $22,839,500
         Finished lots and lots under development...........       13,151,642
                                                                  -----------
                                                                  $35,991,142
                                                                  ===========
NOTE 6 - RESIDUAL INTERESTS

       The  Company  owns   residual   interests  in   collateralized   mortgage
obligations   (CMOs)  and  in   mortgage   participation   certificates   (MPCs)
(collectively  residual  interests).  The residual  interests  are accounted for
using the prospective net level yield method,  in which the interest is recorded
at cost and amortized over the life of the related CMO or MPC issuance.

       The projected  yield and estimated  fair value of the Company's  residual
interests are based on  prepayment,  interest  rate and fair value  assumptions.
There will be  differences,  which may be material,  between the projected yield
and the actual  yield and the fair value of the  residual  interests  may change
significantly over time.

       At December 31, 1996,  the estimated  prospective  net level yield of the
Company's residual interests, in the aggregate, is 29% without early redemptions
or terminations  being considered and 121% if early  redemptions or terminations
are  considered.  Based on  discussions  with  brokers and  investors  who trade
residual  interests,  Management  believes that the estimated  fair value of the
Company's residual interests, in the aggregate,  is approximately  $7,000,000 at
December 31, 1996 ($5,500,000  at December 31, 1995).  This estimated fair value
is based on  prevailing  market  interest  rates at December  31,  1996.  Should
interest  rates  increase in the future,  the fair value amount  could  decrease
significantly.
                                       51
<PAGE>
Interests In Residual Interest Certificates

       The Company owns residual interest certificates representing the residual
interests  in five  series  of CMOs  secured  by fixed  interest  rate  mortgage
certificates  and cash funds held by  trustee.  The  classes of CMOs have either
fixed interest rates or interest rates that are determined  monthly based on the
London  Interbank  Offered  Rates  (LIBOR)  for one month  Eurodollar  deposits,
subject to specified maximum interest rates.

       Each  series  of CMOs  consists  of  several  serially  maturing  classes
collateralized by mortgage certificates.  Generally, principal payments received
on  the  mortgage   certificates,   including   prepayments   on  such  mortgage
certificates,  are  applied  to  principal  payments  on the  classes of CMOs in
accordance with the respective  indentures.  Scheduled payments of principal and
interest  on  the  mortgage  certificates  securing  each  series  of  CMOs  and
reinvestment  earnings  thereon  are  intended to be  sufficient  to make timely
payments  of  interest on such series and to retire each class of such series by
its stated maturity.

       The  residual  interest  certificates  entitle the Company to receive the
excess,  if any, of payments  received  from the pledged  mortgage  certificates
together with  reinvestment  income  thereon over amounts  required to make debt
service payments on the related CMOs and to pay related administrative  expenses
of the real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs"). The Company also has
the right, under certain  conditions,  to cause an early redemption of the CMOs,
in which the mortgage certificates are sold at the then current market price and
the CMOs  repaid at par value,  with any  excess  cash  flowing to the  Company.
Generally,  the remaining  outstanding  CMO balance must be less than 10% of the
original balance before early redemption can take place.

Interests In Mortgage Participation Certificates

       The Company  owns  residual  interests  in REMICs  with  respect to three
separate series of Mortgage  Participation  Certificates  (MPCs). These residual
interests entitle the Company to receive its proportionate  share of the excess,
if  any,  of  payments  received  from  the  fixed  rate  mortgage  certificates
underlying the MPCs over principal and interest required to be passed through to
the holders of such MPCs.  The Company is not  entitled to  reinvestment  income
earned on the underlying mortgage  certificates,  is not required to pay related
administrative  expenses and does not have the right to elect early  termination
of any of the MPC  classes.  The classes of the MPCs either have fixed  interest
rates or interest rates that are  determined  monthly based on LIBOR or based on
the Monthly  Weighted  Average Cost of Funds Index (COFI) for Eleventh  District
Savings  Institutions  as  published  by  the  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  of San
Francisco,  subject to specified  maximum  interest rates. At December 31, 1996,
LIBOR was 5.35% and COFI was 4.84%.

       The following  summarizes the Company's  investment in residual interests
at December 31, 1996 and 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Type Of                   Company's Amortized Costs         Company's Percentage
    Series                     Investments                  1996              1995                Ownership
    ------             ------------------------------       ----              ----           --------------------
<S>                    <C>                                <C>             <C>                      <C>    
Westam 1               Residual Interest Certificate      $  386,192      $  702,918               100.00%
Westam 3               Residual Interest Certificate          24,495          29,923               100.00%
Westam 5               Residual Interest Certificate         157,385         204,033               100.00%
Westam 6               Residual Interest Certificate           1,845          11,731               100.00%
ASW 65                 Residual Interest Certificate       1,996,601       2,520,574               100.00%
FHLMC 17               Interest in MPCs                       93,112         140,035               100.00%
FNMA 1988-24           Interest in MPCs                      762,510       1,220,418                20.20%
FNMA 1988-25           Interest in MPCs                      486,950         627,533                45.07%
                                                          ----------      ----------
                                                          $3,909,090      $5,457,165
                                                          ==========      ==========
</TABLE>
                                       52
<PAGE>
NOTE 7 - NOTES PAYABLE

       In December 1996,  Monterey  consolidated  its outstanding  construction,
acquisition and development  ("A&D") and term loan notes to various banks into a
single  revolving  credit  agreement.  The  components  of this  loan  are (i) a
revolving $20,000,000 line of credit to finance  construction,  (ii) a revolving
$20,000,000  guidance line facility to finance acquisition and development,  and
(iii)  a  $6,052,000   term  loan  to  refinance  an  existing  note.  Both  the
construction  and A&D lines of credit  are  secured  by first  deeds of trust on
land.  The term loan is  cross-collateralized  with the credit  facility  and is
secured by cash and short-term investments.

       Notes payable consist of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996                   1995
                                                                             -------                 ------
<S>                                                                         <C>                  <C>       
       Construction line of credit to bank, interest payable 
         monthly approximating  prime (8.25% at December 
         31, 1996) plus .25%, payable at the earlier of close
         of escrow, maturity date of individual homes 
         within the line or June 19, 2000................................   $ 7,251,958                 N/A

       Guidance line of credit to bank for acquisition and 
         development interest payable monthly approximating 
         prime plus .5%, payable at the earlier of funding of
         construction financing, the maturity date of indivi-
         dual projects within the line or June 19, 2000..................     9,628,993                 N/A

       Short-term credit facility to bank maturing in August 
         1997, annual interest of prime plus .5%, principal 
         payments of $500,000 plus interest payable monthly 
         with remaining  principal and interest payable at
         maturity date...................................................     5,552,500                 N/A

       Senior subordinated notes payable, maturing October 
         15, 2001, annual interest of 13%, payable semi-
         annually,  principal payable at maturity date with
         a put to the Company at June 30, 1998, unsecured................     8,000,000                 N/A

       Notes payable to institutional investment group, 
         secured by residual interests and by funds held by 
         Trustee, annual interest of 7.81%. Note balance 
         paid in full May 15, 1996, resulting in extraordinary 
         loss of approximately $149,000 from prepayment 
         penalties and the write-off of unamortized debt costs...........             0          $7,818,824

       Other.............................................................       108,825                 N/A
                                                                            -----------          ----------

             Total.......................................................   $30,542,276          $7,818,824
                                                                            ===========          ==========
</TABLE>
                                       53
<PAGE>
       The principal payment requirements  on notes  payable, as of December 31,
1996 are as follows:

                                                                  Year ending
                                                                  December 31,
                                                                  ------------

            1997.............................................     $15,653,873
            1998.............................................       6,888,403
            1999.............................................               -
            2000.............................................               -
            2001 and thereafter..............................       8,000,000
                                                                 ------------
                                                                  $30,542,276
                                                                  ===========

       A  provision  of the senior  subordinated  bond  indenture  provides  the
bondholders  with the option,  at June 30,  1998,  to require the Company to buy
back the bonds at 101% of face  value.  Also,  approximately  $2,800,000  of the
bonds are held by the Co-Chief Executive Officers of the Company.


NOTE 8 - STOCK OPTIONS

       At December 31, 1996, the Company has one stock based  compensation  plan
which is described  below.  The per share  weighted  average fair value of stock
options  granted  during  1996 and 1995 was $1.63 on the date of grant using the
Black Scholes  pricing model with the following  weighted  average  assumptions;
expected dividend yield 1.40%,  risk-free interest rate of 5.85% and an expected
life of  five  years.  The  Company  applies  APB  Opinion  No.  25 and  related
interpretations  in  accounting  for its plans.  No  compensation  cost has been
recognized for its stock based  compensation plan (which is a fixed stock option
plan). Had  compensation  cost for the Company's stock based  compensation  plan
been determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net income
and  earnings  per share  would  have  been  reduced  to the pro  forma  amounts
indicated below:

                                                           1996           1995
                                                          ------         ------

       Net income (loss)               As reported       $147,488     $1,097,125
                                       Pro forma         (151,345)       988,458

       Earnings (loss) per share       As reported           $.04           $.34
                                       Pro forma            ($.05)          $.30


       The  Company's  Stock  Option  Plan  is  administered  by  the  Board  of
Directors. The plan provides for qualified stock options which may be granted to
key  personnel  of the  Company and  non-qualified  stock  options  which may be
granted to the Directors  and key  personnel of the Company.  The purpose of the
plan is to provide a means of performance-based compensation in order to attract
and retain qualified personnel whose job performance affects the Company.

       Options to acquire a maximum  (excluding  dividend  equivalent rights) of
145,833 shares of the Company's  common stock may be granted under the plan. The
exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock at
the date of grant. The options expire ten years after date of grant.

       At December 31, 1996,  148,498  options,  including  dividend  equivalent
rights,  were  exercisable at effective  exercise  prices ranging from $3.63 per
share to $13.32 per share. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, 119 common shares were
available for future grants.
                                       54
<PAGE>
       Optionholders also receive,  at no additional cost,  dividend  equivalent
rights  (DER's)  which  entitle them to receive,  upon  exercise of the options,
additional shares  calculated based on the dividends  declared during the period
from the grant date to the exercise date. At December 31, 1996 and 1995 accounts
payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets,
include  approximately  $850,000  related to the Company's  granting of dividend
equivalent rights.  This liability will remain in the accompanying  consolidated
balance sheets until the options to which the dividend  equivalent rights relate
are exercised, cancelled or expire.

       Under the plan, an exercising  optionholder also has the right to require
the  Company  to  purchase  some  or  all of the  optionholder's  shares  of the
Company's common stock. That redemption right is exercisable by the optionholder
only with respect to shares (including the related dividend  equivalent  rights)
that the  optionholder  has  acquired by  exercise of an option  under the Plan.
Furthermore, the optionholder can only exercise his redemption rights within six
months  from the last to expire of (i) the two year period  commencing  with the
grant date of an option,  (ii) the one year period  commencing with the exercise
date of an  option,  or  (iii)  any  restriction  period  on the  optionholder's
transfer  of the shares of common  stock he  acquires  through  exercise  of his
option.  The price for any shares  repurchased as a result of an  optionholder's
exercise of his redemption right is the lesser of the book value of those shares
at the time of redemption or the fair market value of the shares on the original
date the options were exercised.

       The following  summarizes  stock option  activity  under the Stock Option
Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year ended December 31,                              1996      1995        1994
- -------------------------------                              ----      ----        ----

<S>                                                          <C>      <C>         <C>
Options granted............................................      -    24,667           -
Exercise price per share of options granted................      -     $4.50           -
DER's granted..............................................  1,249     2,909       2,593
Options cancelled (including DER's)........................      -    11,424           -
Options exercised (including DER's)........................      -         -           -


At December 31,                                                        1996        1995
- ---------------                                                        ----        ----

Options outstanding...............................................    95,256      95,256
DER's outstanding.................................................    54,385      53,136
                                                                     -------     -------
Total options and DER's outstanding...............................   149,641     148,392
                                                                     =======     =======
</TABLE>

       In  addition  to the above  referenced  options,  in  December  1995,  in
connection  with  the  renegotiation  of the  prior  Chief  Executive  Officer's
Employment  Agreement,  the Company  replaced his annual salary of $250,000 plus
bonus with 250,000  non-qualified  stock  options which became fully vested upon
the Merger at December 31, 1996.  The exercise price of the options is $4.50 per
share which was equal to the closing  market  price of the common stock on grant
date. The options will expire in December 2000.

       At the 1997 Annual Meeting of  Stockholders to be held on May 29, 1997, a
new  stock  option  plan  will be  submitted  for  stockholder  approval.  It is
currently  anticipated that 225,000 shares of the Company's common stock will be
reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock  options  granted under the new
plan. The plan will be administered by the  Compensation  Committee of the Board
of  Directors  and will  provide for grants of  incentive  stock  options to key
employees and  non-qualified  stock options to Directors and key employees.  The
purpose of this new plan is to provide a means of performance-based compensation
in order to attract and retain key personnel whose job  performance  affects the
Company.
                                       55
<PAGE>
NOTE 9 - LEASES

       The Company  leases office  facilities,  model homes and equipment  under
various operating lease agreements.

       The following is a schedule of approximate  future minimum lease payments
for noncancellable operating leases as of December 31, 1996:
                                                                   Year Ending
                                                                   December 31,
                                                                   ------------

                 1997........................................       $  937,981
                 1998........................................          363,927
                 1999........................................          201,907
                 Thereafter..................................                0
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    $1,503,815
                                                                    ==========

       Rental  expense was $22,639 and $21,780 for the years ended  December 31,
1995 and 1996, respectively.


NOTE 10 - HOMEPLEX / MONTEREY MERGER

       On December 23, 1996, the stockholders of Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation,  now known as Monterey Homes Corporation (the "Company"),  approved
the Merger (the "Merger") of Monterey Homes  Construction  II, Inc. and Monterey
Homes Arizona II, Inc., both Arizona corporations  (collectively,  the "Monterey
Entities" or "Monterey"), with and into the Company. The Merger was effective on
December 31, 1996,  and the Company  will focus on  homebuilding  as its primary
business.  Also,  ongoing  operations  of the Company will be managed by the two
previous  stockholders  of  Monterey,  who at the  time  of the  Merger,  became
Co-Chief  Executive  Officers  with one  serving  as  Chairman  and the other as
President. At consummation of the Merger,  1,288,726 new shares of common stock,
$.01 par  value  per  share,  were  issued  equally  to the  Co-Chief  Executive
Officers.

       Monterey,  in  connection  with an $8,000,000  subordinated  debt private
placement that occurred during October 1994,  issued warrants to the bondholders
to purchase  approximately  16.48% of Monterey.  Accordingly,  of the  1,288,726
shares  issued in the  Merger,  212,398 are held by the Company on behalf of the
Co-Chief Executive Officers,  to be delivered to the warrantholders upon payment
of  the  warrant  exercise  price  to  the  Co-Chief  Executive  Officers.  Upon
expiration  of the warrants,  any of the remaining  212,398 will be delivered to
the Co-Chief Executive Officers.

       In  addition,  up to 266,667  shares of  contingent  stock will be issued
equally to the Co-Chief  Executive  Officers provided that certain stock trading
price  thresholds  are met and that the  Officer  is  still an  employee  of the
Company at the time of  issuance.  The price  thresholds  are  $5.25,  $7.50 and
$10.50 for dates after the first,  second and third anniversaries of the Merger,
respectively, and the prices must be maintained for 20 consecutive trading days.
The number of  contingent  shares  issued  would be 44,943,  88,889 and  88,889,
respectively.  Included in the above  mentioned  266,667  contingent  shares are
43,947 shares (approximately  16.48%) issuable to the Company's  warrantholders,
upon  exercise of the warrants.  Such shares are not subject to meeting  certain
stock trading price thresholds or employment of the Co-Chief Executive Officers.
Upon expiration of unexercised warrants,  any of the remaining 43,947 contingent
shares will be issued to the Co-Chief Executive Officers.

       The  total  consideration  paid by the  Company  for the  net  assets  of
Monterey Homes was  $9,323,353.  This amount  included  1,288,726  shares of the
Company's  common stock valued at $8,544,256 and $779,097 of transaction  costs.
The purchase  method of  accounting  was used by the  Company,  and the purchase
price was allocated  among the Monterey net assets based on their estimated fair
market value at the date of
                                       56
<PAGE>
acquisition, resulting in goodwill of $1,763,488 which will be amortized over 20
years.

       The  following  unaudited  pro forma  information  presents  a summary of
consolidated  results of operations of the Company as if the Merger had occurred
at January 1, 1995, with pro forma adjustments  together with related income tax
effects.  The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only
and do not  purport to be  indicative  of the results of  operations  that would
actually have resulted had the combination been in effect on the date indicated.

                                                        Years ended December 31,
                                                              (Unaudited)
                                                          1996           1995
                                                        --------       --------

       Total revenues.................................   $89,990        $75,195
       Net income.....................................     6,120          6,210
       Net earnings per common share..................      1.27           1.28 


NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES

       Current  income tax  expense  for the year ended  December  31,  1996 was
$26,562  and was  attributed  to  federal  estimated  tax of  $18,700  and state
estimated tax of $7,862. No current income tax was recorded in 1995 and deferred
income tax was -0- in 1996 and 1995.

       Deferred Tax Assets

       The net  deferred  tax asset at December 31, 1996 was recorded as part of
the Homeplex/Monterey Merger purchase accounting ( Note 10).

       Deferred  tax  assets  have  been  recorded  in  the  December  31,  1996
consolidated  balance sheet due to temporary  differences and  carryforwards  as
follows:

       Net operating loss carryforward......................     $21,200,000
       Residual interests basis differences.................       2,100,000
       Real estate basis differences........................         400,000
       Debt issuance costs..................................         266,000
       Other................................................          85,000
                                                                 -----------
                                                                  24,051,000

       Valuation allowance..................................     (17,268,000)
                                                                 -----------

       Deferred tax liabilities.............................               0
                                                                 -----------

                 Net Deferred Tax Asset.....................     $ 6,783,000
                                                                 ===========

       Management  of the  Company  believes it is more likely than not that the
results of future operations will generate  sufficient taxable income to realize
the net deferred tax asset.

       Carryforwards

       For  federal and state  income tax  purposes,  at  December  31, 1996 the
Company had a net operating loss  carryforward of approximately $53 million that
expires beginning in 2007.
                                       57
<PAGE>
NOTE 12 -  CONTINGENCIES

       The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the
ordinary  course of  business.  In the  opinion  of  management,  the  amount of
ultimate  liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the
Company's financial statements taken as a whole.


NOTE 13 - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

                         (In Thousands Except Per Share Amount)

                                                      Net      Net Income (Loss)
                                     Revenue     Income (Loss)    Per Share
                                     -------     -------------    ---------
          1996
          ----

         First....................   $   635     $     84         $   .03
         Second (1)...............       636          148             .04
         Third....................       530          314             .09
         Fourth...................       443         (399)           (.12)

          1995
          ----

         First....................   $ 1,103     $    462        $    .15
         Second...................     1,078          335             .10
         Third....................       707           58             .02
         Fourth...................       677          242             .07



(1)  Net income in the second quarter of 1996 includes an  extraordinary  charge
     of   $148,000,   or  $.05  per  share,   to  record  the  result  of  early
     extinguishment of debt.
                                       58
<PAGE>

Item 9.       Changes in  and Disagreements  with Accountants on  Accounting and
              Financial Disclosures

         On January  14,  1997,  the  Company's  Board of  Directors  elected to
dismiss its current independent  accountants,  Ernst & Young LLP, and to replace
them with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP served as the independent
accountants for the Monterey Entities prior to the Merger.

         Ernst & Young LLP  rendered  unqualified  reports  with  respect to the
financial  statements  of the  Company for the two  previous  fiscal  years.  In
addition,  during the two  previous  fiscal  years  there were no  disagreements
between  the  Company  and  Ernst & Young  LLP with  respect  to any  matter  of
accounting  principles or practices,  financial statement disclosure or auditing
scope or procedure.

                                    PART III

Item 10.      Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

         Information respecting continuing directors and nominees of the Company
is set forth under the captions "Election of Directors," "Information Concerning
Directors,  Nominees and  Officers,"  and "Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership
Reporting Compliance" in the Registrant's Notice and Proxy Statement relating to
its  1997  Annual  Meeting  of   Stockholders   (the  "1997  Proxy   Statement")
incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K Report.  With the exception of the
foregoing  information  and  other  information  specifically   incorporated  by
reference into this Form 10-K Report,  the Registrant's  1997 Proxy Statement is
not being filed as a part hereof.

Item 11.      Executive Compensation

         Information  respecting  executive  compensation is set forth under the
captions  "Executive  Compensation,"   "Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and
Insider  Participation,"  "Director Compensation" and "Employment Agreements" in
the 1997 Proxy Statement and is incorporated  herein by reference into this Form
10-K  report;  provided,  however,  that the  information  set  forth  under the
captions  "Compensation  Committee Report on Executive  Compensation" and "Stock
Price  Performance  Graph"  contained  in  the  1997  Proxy  Statement  are  not
incorporated by reference herein.

Item 12.      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

         Information  respecting security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and  management is included under the caption  "Security  Ownership of Principal
Stockholders  and  Management" in the 1997 Proxy  Statement and is  incorporated
herein by reference.
                                       59
<PAGE>
Item 13.      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

         Information   respecting  certain  relationships  and  transactions  of
management   is  set  forth  under  the  caption   "Certain   Transactions   and
Relationships" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation"
in the 1997 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                     PART IV

Item 14.      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

                                                                    Page or
(a)      Financial Statements and Schedules.                    Method of Filing
                                                                ----------------

(i)         Financial Statements.                                

    (1)     Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP                        Page 42
    (2)     Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to
            Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company,
            including Consolidated  Balance Sheets as of 
            December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994 and related
            Consolidated Statements of Operations, Stockholders'
            Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the     Page 44
            three-year period ended December 31, 1996
   (ii)     Financial Statement Schedules.

            Schedules have been omitted because of the absence
            of conditions under which they are required or 
            because the required material information is included
            in the Consolidated  Financial Statements or Notes to 
            the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of 1996. On
January 14, 1997,  the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated December
31, 1996, reporting the Merger and a resulting change in certifying accountants.
This Form 8-K was amended on January 22, 1997 and March 6, 1997.
                                       60
<PAGE>
(c)      Exhibits.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Exhibit                                                                           Page or
    Number                   Description                                         Method of Filing
    ------                   -----------                                         ----------------
<S>             <C>                                                          <C>
       2        Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated                  Incorporated by reference to
                as of September 13, 1996, by and among                       Exhibit 2 of the Form S-4
                Homeplex, the Monterey Merging Companies                     Registration Statement No.
                and the Monterey Stockholders.                               333-15937 ("S-4 #333-
                                                                             15937").

      3.1       Amended and Restated Articles of                             Incorporated by reference to
                Incorporation of the Company                                 Exhibit 3(a) of the Registration
                                                                             Statement on Form S-11 No.
                                                                             33-22092 ("S-11 #33-22092")

      3.2       Articles of Merger                                           Filed herewith

      3.3       Bylaws of the Company                                        Incorporated by reference to
                                                                             Exhibit 3(b) to the Form 10-Q
                                                                             for the quarter ended June 30,
                                                                             1995.

      3.4       Amendment to the Bylaws                                      Filed herewith

        4       Specimen of Common Stock Certificate                         Filed herewith

     10.1       Subcontract Agreement between Homeplex                       Incorporated by reference
                and American Southwest Financial Services,                   to Exhibit 10(b) of S-11
                Inc.                                                         #33-22092.

     10.2       Form of Master Servicing Agreement                           Incorporated by reference
                                                                             to Exhibit 10(c) of S-11
                                                                             #33-22092.

     10.3       Form of Servicing Agreement                                  Incorporated by reference
                                                                             to Exhibit 10(d) of S-11
                                                                             #33-22092.

     10.4       Indenture dated October 17, 1994, as                         Incorporated by reference to
                amended, relating to 13% Senior Subordinated                 Exhibit 10(j) of the S-4 # 333-
                Notes Due 2001                                               15937.

     10.5       Master Revolving Line of Credit by and                       Filed herewith
                between Norwest Bank Arizona, N.A. and the
                Company
</TABLE>
                                       61
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Exhibit                                                                           Page or
    Number                   Description                                         Method of Filing
    ------                   -----------                                         ----------------
<S>             <C>                                                          <C>
     10.6       Revolving Model Home Lease Back                              Filed herewith
                Agreement between AMHM-1, L.P. and the
                Company

     10.7       Stock Option Plan*                                           Incorporated by reference 
                                                                             to Exhibit 10(d) of Form 
                                                                             10-K for the fiscal year
                                                                             ended December 31, 1995
                                                                             ("1995 Form 10-K").

     10.8       Amendment to Stock Option Plan*                              Incorporated by reference
                                                                             to Exhibit 10(e) of
                                                                             the 1995 Form 10-K.

     10.9       Monterey Homes Corporation Stock                             Filed herewith
                Option Plan *+

     10.10      Employment Agreement between the                             Filed herewith
                Company and William W. Cleverly*

     10.11      Employment Agreement between the                             Filed herewith
                Company and Steven J. Hilton*

     10.12      Stock Option Agreement between the                           Filed herewith
                Company and William W. Cleverly*

     10.13      Stock Option Agreement between the                           Filed herewith
                Company and Steven J. Hilton*

     10.14      Registration Rights Agreement between the                    Filed herewith
                Company and William W. Cleverly*

     10.15      Registration Rights Agreement between the                    Filed herewith
                Company and Steven J. Hilton*

     10.16      Escrow and Contingent Stock Agreement                        Filed herewith

     10.17      Amended and Restated Employment                              Incorporated by reference to
                Agreement and Addendum between the                           Exhibit 10(g) of the 1995
                Company and Alan D. Hamberlin*                               Form 10-K.

     10.18      Stock Option Agreement between the                           Incorporated by reference to
                Company and Alan D. Hamberlin*                               Exhibit 10(h) of the 1995
                                                                             Form 10-K

      16        Letter Regarding Change in Certifying                        Filed herewith
                Accountant
</TABLE>
                                       62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    Exhibit                                                                           Page or
    Number                   Description                                         Method of Filing
    ------                   -----------                                         ----------------
<S>             <C>                                                          <C>
      22        List of Significant Subsidiaries                             Filed herewith

     23.1       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP                             Filed herewith

     23.2       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                                 Filed herewith

      24        Powers of Attorney                                           See signature page

      27        Financial Data Schedule                                      Filed herewith
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
         * Indicates a management contract or compensation plan.
         + To be submitted for stockholder approval at the 1997  Annual  Meeting
           of Stockholders to be held on May 29, 1997.
                                       63
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

       Pursuant  to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 31st
day of March, 1997.

                                      MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION,
                                      a Maryland corporation


                                      By   /s/ William W. Cleverly
                                        ----------------------------
                                           William W. Cleverly
                                           Chairman of the Board and
                                           Co-Chief Executive Officer

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears below constitutes and appoints William W. Cleverly, Steven J. Hilton and
Larry W.  Seay,  and each of them,  his true and  lawful  attorneys-in-fact  and
agents, with full power of substitution and  resubstitution,  for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this  Form  10-K  Annual  Report,  and to file the  same,  with all  exhibits
thereto,  and other  documents in connection  therewith  with the Securities and
Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each
of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and  necessary to be done in and about the  premises,  as fully and to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person hereby  ratifying and
confirming  all that said  attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  or his  substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
this  report on Form 10-K has been  signed  below by the  following  persons  on
behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                             Title                                   Date
- ---------                                             -----                                   ----

<S>                                      <C>                                                  <C> 
/s/William W. Cleverly                   Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief                   March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------     Executive Officer (Co-Principal
William W. Cleverly                      Executive Officer)             
</TABLE>
                                       S-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                             Title                                   Date
- ---------                                             -----                                   ----

<S>                                      <C>                                                  <C> 
/s/Steven J. Hilton                      President and Co-Chief Executive                     March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------     Officer (Co-Principal Executive Officer)
Steven J. Hilton                         

/s/Larry W. Seay                         Vice President - Finance and Chief                   March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------     Financial Officer, Secretary and   
Larry W. Seay                            Treasurer (Principal Financial and
                                         Accounting Officer)               
                                         
/s/Alan D. Hamberlin                     Director                                             March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------    
Alan D. Hamberlin

/s/Robert G. Sarver                      Director                                             March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------    
Robert G. Sarver

/s/C. Timothy White                      Director                                             March 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------     
C. Timothy White
</TABLE>
                                       S-2

                               ARTICLES OF MERGER

         THESE  ARTICLES OF MERGER are dated as of  December  31,  1996,  by and
among  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments   Corporation,   a  Maryland  corporation
("Surviving  Company"),  and Monterey  Homes  Construction  II, Inc., an Arizona
corporation  ("MHC  II")  and  Monterey  Homes  Arizona  II,  Inc.,  an  Arizona
corporation  ("MHA II",  together  with MHC II, the  "Merged  Companies"),  such
corporations sometimes hereinafter being jointly referred to as the "Constituent
Corporations".

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS,  Surviving Company, the Merged Companies, and the shareholders
of  the  Merged   Companies,   have  entered  into  an  Agreement  and  Plan  of
Reorganization  (the  "Agreement") in which the parties  thereto  agreed,  among
other things,  that each of the Merged  Companies  would be merged with and into
Surviving Company (the "Merger");

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  the  following  is adopted as and for the Articles of
Merger of the Constituent Corporations:

         1. MHC II and MHA II were  incorporated  under the laws of the State of
Arizona on June_1, 1995 and own no interest in land in the State of Maryland.

         2. On the  effective  date of the Merger (as  defined in  paragraph  16
hereof and  sometimes  referred to herein as the  "Effective  Date"), the Merged
Companies  shall be merged with and into  Surviving  Company  which shall be the
surviving corporation.
                                       1
<PAGE>
         3.  Surviving  Company  shall be  governed  by the laws of the State of
Maryland and the registered  office of Surviving  Company in that state shall be
CT, Inc.

         4. Upon the Merger becoming  effective,  the separate  existence of the
Merged Companies shall cease, and Surviving Company shall succeed to and possess
all the properties,  rights, privileges, powers, franchises and immunities, of a
public  as  well as of a  private  nature,  and be  subject  to all  the  debts,
liabilities,  obligations,  restrictions,  disabilities and duties of the Merged
Companies,  all  without  further act or deed,  as  provided  in the  applicable
provisions of the Maryland  Corporations and  Associations  Code and the Arizona
Business Corporation Act.

         5.  Except as amended by the  provisions  of  paragraph  6 hereof,  the
Articles of  Incorporation  and bylaws of Surviving  Company as in effect on the
Effective  Date shall be, from and after the  Effective  Date,  the  Articles of
Incorporation and bylaws of the surviving  corporation until they are thereafter
amended.

         6. The amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of Surviving Company
which are to be effected  as part of the Merger are to (i) delete  Article IX of
said charter in its entirety,  (ii) renumber  existing Article X of said charter
to Article  IX,  (iii)  delete  Articles  I, VI and VIII of said  charter and to
substitute the following new articles, (iv)_delete subparagraph (a) to Article_V
of said charter and to substitute the following subparagraph (a) to Article_V of
said charter,  and (v) add the following  subparagraph  (e) to Article V of said
charter:
                                    ARTICLE I

                                       2
<PAGE>
                                      NAME
                                      ----

         The  name  of  the  corporation   (which  is  hereinafter   called  the
"Corporation") is: Monterey Homes Corporation.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                  CAPITAL STOCK
                                  -------------

         (a) The  total  number  of  shares  of stock of all  classes  which the
Corporation  has  authority  to issue is sixteen  million six hundred  sixty-six
thousand six hundred sixty-seven (16,666,667) shares of capital stock, par value
three cents ($.03) per share,  amounting in aggregate  par value to Five Hundred
Thousand  Dollars  ($500,000).  All of the  authorized  shares are classified as
Common Stock of the same class (the "Common Stock").

         (e)  Simultaneously  with  the  Effective  Date of this  amendment  and
immediately after the Merger, the authorized shares of the Corporation's  Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and each share of such Common Stock issued and
outstanding  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Date (the "Old Common Stock")
shall  automatically and without any action on the part of the holder thereof be
split and changed  into  one-third  (1/3) of a share (the "Stock  Split") of the
Corporation's  Common Stock, par value $0.03 per share (the "New Common Stock"),
subject to the treatment of fractional  share  interests as described below (the
"Stock Split"). Each holder of a certificate or certificates  which  immediately
prior to the Effective Date represented  outstanding  shares of Old Common Stock
(the "Old  Certificates", whether one or more) shall be entitled to receive upon
                                       3
<PAGE>
surrender  of such Old  Certificates  to the  Corporation's  Transfer  Agent for
cancellation, a certificate or certificates (the "New Certificates", whether one
or more)  representing  the number of whole  shares of the New Common Stock into
which and for which the shares of the Old Common Stock  formerly  represented by
such Old Certificates so surrendered, are split under the terms hereof. From and
after the Effective Date, Old Certificates shall represent only the right to the
number of shares of New Common  Stock into which the Old Common Stock shall have
been split and the right to receive New  Certificates  therefor  pursuant to the
provisions  hereof.  No  certificates  or scrip  representing  fractional  share
interests  in New  Common  Stock will be issued,  and no such  fractional  share
interest  will  entitle  the  holder  thereof  to vote,  or to any  rights  of a
shareholder of the Corporation. All fractional shares for one-half share or more
shall be increased to the next higher whole number of shares and all  fractional
shares of less than  one-half  share shall be  decreased to the next lower whole
number  of  shares,  respectively.  If more  than one Old  Certificate  shall be
surrendered at one time for the account of the same  stockholder,  the number of
full shares of New Common Stock for which New Certificates shall be issued shall
be computed on the basis of the aggregate  number of shares  represented  by the
Old Certificates so surrendered.  In the event that the  Corporation's  Transfer
Agent  determines  that a holder of Old  Certificates  has not  tendered all his
certificates for exchange, the Transfer Agent shall carry forward any fractional
share until all  certificates  of that holder have been  presented  for exchange
such that rounding for fractional  shares to any one person shall not exceed one
share. If any New Certificate is to be issued in a name other than that in which
the Old Certificates  surrendered for exchange are issued,  the Old Certificates
so  
                                       4
<PAGE>
surrendered  shall  be  properly  endorsed  and  otherwise  in  proper  form for
transfer,  and the person or persons  requesting  such exchange  shall affix any
requisite  stock  transfer tax stamps to the Old  Certificates  surrendered,  or
provide  funds for their  purchase,  or  establish  to the  satisfaction  of the
Transfer  Agent that such taxes are not  payable.  From and after the  Effective
Date the amount of  capital  represented  by the shares of the New Common  Stock
into which and for which the shares of the Old Common  Stock are split under the
terms  hereof  shall be the same as the  amount of  capital  represented  by the
shares of Old Common Stock so split,  until  thereafter  reduced or increased in
accordance with applicable law.  

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                   DIRECTORS
                                   ---------

         The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as set forth in the
Bylaws of the  Corporation,  but shall  never be less  than the  minimum  number
permitted  by the General Laws of the State of Maryland  now or  hereinafter  in
force.  The directors shall be divided into two classes  designated  Class I and
Class II. Each Class shall  consist of one-half of the  directors or as close as
approximation thereto as possible. The Class I directors shall stand of election
at the 1996 annual meeting of  shareholders  and shall be elected for a two-year
term. The Class II directors shall stand for election at the 1996 annual meeting
of shareholders and shall be elected for a one-year term. At each annual meeting
of  shareholders,  commencing  with the annual  meeting to be held during fiscal
1997, each of the successors to the directors of the Class whose term shall have
expired at such annual  meeting  shall be elected for a term  running  until the
second annual  meeting next  succeeding 
                                       5
<PAGE>
his or her election and until his or her successor  shall have been duly elected
and qualified.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                        RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER OF SHARES
                        ---------------------------------

         (a) In order to preserve the net  operating  loss  carryovers,  capital
loss  carryovers  and  built-in  losses  (the  "Tax  Benefits")   to  which  the
Corporation  is  entitled  pursuant to the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as
amended, or any successor statute  (collectively the "Code") and the regulations
thereunder,  the following restrictions shall apply until the earlier of (x) the
business  day  following  the fifth  anniversary  of the  effectiveness  of this
Article  VIII,  (y) the repeal of Sections 382 and 383 of the Code (or successor
provisions) if the Board of Directors  determines that the  restrictions  are no
longer  necessary,  or (z) the beginning of a taxable year of the Corporation to
which the Board of  Directors  determines  that no Tax  Benefits  may be carried
forward,  unless  the Board of  Directors  shall fix an earlier or later date in
accordance  with  paragraph  (i) of this  Article  VIII (such date is  sometimes
referred to herein as the "Expiration Date"):

         (i) No person (as herein  defined),  including the  Corporation,  shall
engage in any  Transfer (as herein  defined)  with any person to the extent that
such Transfer,  if effective,  would cause the Ownership Interest Percentage (as
herein defined) of any person or Public Group (as herein defined) to increase to
4.9  percent  or above,  or from 4.9  percent  or above to a  greater  Ownership
Interest Percentage, or would create a new Public Group; provided, however, that
the  foregoing  restriction  on such  Transfers  shall not be  applicable to the
Transfer of shares of Stock  pursuant to (1) the  exercise of any option that is
issued  by the  Corporation  and is  outstanding  on the  effective  date of 
                                       6
<PAGE>
the  amendment  to the Amended and  Restated  Articles of  Incorporation  of the
Corporation  which makes this  Article  VIII a part of such Amended and Restated
Articles of  Incorporation,  (2) the exercise of those certain options initially
covering  750,000  shares (prior to the Stock Split) of stock referred to in the
Stock Option Agreement dated December_21,  1995 between the Corporation and Alan
D. Hamberlin,  (3) the issuance of the 800,000 shares (prior to the Stock Split)
of Contingent  Stock  referred to in the  Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization
dated as of  September  13, 1996 (the  "Agreement") or (4) the exercise of those
certain options  initially  covering an aggregate of 1,000,000  shares (prior to
the Stock  Split) of stock  referred to in those Stock Option  Agreements  dated
December 31, 1996 between the  Corporation  and each of William W.  Cleverly and
Steven J. Hilton.

         For purposes of this Article VIII:

                  (A) "person" refers to any  individual,  corporation,  estate,
         trust,  association,  company,  partnership,  joint  venture,  or other
         entity or  organization,  including, without  limitation,  any "entity"
         within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.382-3(a);

                  (B) a person's  "Ownership  Interest  Percentage" shall be the
         sum of such person's  direct  ownership  interest in the Corporation as
         determined  under Treasury  Regulation  Section  1.382-2T(f)(8)  or any
         successor  regulation and such person's indirect  ownership interest in
         the  Corporation  as  determined  under  Treasury   Regulation  Section
         1.382-2T(f)(15) or any successor regulation,  except that, for purposes
         of determining a person's direct ownership interest in the Corporation,
         any  ownership  interest  in  the  Corporation  described  in  Treasury
         Regulation Section  1.382-2T(f)(18)(iii)(A) or any successor regulation
         shall be 
                                       7
<PAGE>
         treated as stock of the Corporation,  and for purposes of determining a
         person's  indirect  ownership  interest  in the  Corporation,  Treasury
         Regulations     Sections     1.382-2T(g)(2),      1.382-2T(h)(2)(i)(A),
         1.382-2T(h)(2)(iii)    and   1.382-2T(h)(6)(iii)   or   any   successor
         regulations shall not apply and any Option Right to acquire Stock shall
         be considered exercised;

                  (C)   "Transferee"   means  any   person  to  whom   Stock  is
         Transferred;

                  (D)  "Stock"  shall  mean  shares of stock of the  Corporation
         (other than stock  described in Section  1504(a)(4)  of the Code or any
         successor statute, or stock that is not described in Section 1504(a)(4)
         solely  because  it  is  entitled  to  vote  as a  result  of  dividend
         arrearages),  any  Option  Rights  to  acquire  Stock,  and  all  other
         interests that would be treated as stock of the Corporation pursuant to
         Treasury   Regulation   Section   1.382-2T(f)(18)   (or  any  successor
         regulation);

                  (E) "Public Group" shall mean a group of individuals, entities
         or   other   persons   described   in   Treasury   Regulation   Section
         1.382-2T(f)(13) or any successor regulation;

                  (F) "Option Right" shall mean any  option,  warrant,  or other
         right to acquire,  convert  into or  exchange  or exercise  for, or any
         similar interests in, shares of Stock;

                  (G) "Transfer" shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer,  gift,
         assignment,  devise or other  disposition,  as well as any other event,
         that  causes a person to  acquire or  increase  an  Ownership  Interest
         Percentage  in the  Corporation,  or any  agreement  to take  any  such
         actions  or cause  any  such  events,  including  (a) the  granting  or
         exercise of any Option Right with respect to Stock, (b) the disposition
         of any  securities  or  rights  convertible  into  or  
                                       8
<PAGE>
         exchangeable  or exercisable  for Stock or any interest in Stock or any
         exercise of any such conversion or exchange or exercise right,  and (c)
         transfers  of  interests  in other  entities  that result in changes in
         direct or indirect  ownership of Stock, in each case, whether voluntary
         or involuntary, of record, and by operation by law or otherwise;

                  (H)  "Optionee" means any person  holding  an Option  Right to
         acquire Stock.

         (ii) Any Transfer that would  otherwise be  prohibited  pursuant to the
preceding subparagraph may nonetheless be permitted if information relating to a
specific  proposed  transaction  is presented to the Board of Directors  and the
Board  (including  a  majority  of the  Independent  Directors,  as such term is
defined in the Agreement) determines in its discretion (x) based upon an opinion
of legal counsel or independent public  accountants  selected by the Board, that
such  transaction  will not  jeopardize  or create a material  limitation on the
Corporation's then current or future ability to utilize its Tax Benefits, taking
into account both the proposed transaction and potential future transactions, or
(y) that the overall  economic  benefits of such  transaction to the Corporation
outweigh the detriments of such transaction.  Nothing in this subparagraph shall
be  construed to limit or restrict the Board of Directors in the exercise of its
fiduciary duties under applicable law.

         (b) Unless  approval of the Board of  Directors is obtained as provided
in  subparagraph  (a)(ii) of this Article VIII,  any attempted  Transfer that is
prohibited  pursuant to subparagraph  (a)(i) of this Article VIII, to the extent
that the amount of Stock subject to such prohibited  Transfer exceeds the amount
that could be Transferred without restriction under subparagraph (a) (i) of this
                                       9
<PAGE>
Article  VIII  (such  excess   hereinafter   referred  to  as  the   "Prohibited
Interests"),  shall be void ab initio and not effective to transfer ownership of
the  Prohibited  Interests with respect to the purported  acquiror  thereof (the
"Purported  Acquiror"), who shall not be entitled to any rights as a shareholder
of the Corporation with respect to the Prohibited Interests (including,  without
limitation,  the right to vote or to receive dividends with respect thereto), or
otherwise as the holder of the Prohibited Interests.  All rights with respect to
the Prohibited  Interests  shall remain the property of the person who initially
purported to Transfer the  Prohibited  Interests to the Purported  Acquiror (the
"Initial Transferor") until such time as the Prohibited  Interests are resold as
set forth in subparagraph (b)(i) or subparagraph (b)(ii) of this Article VIII.

         (i) Upon  demand  by the  Corporation,  the  Purported  Acquiror  shall
Transfer  any  certificate  or other  evidence  of  purported  ownership  of the
Prohibited  Interests  within the  Purported  Acquiror's  possession or control,
along with any dividends or other  distributions  paid by the  Corporation  with
respect to the Prohibited Interests that were received by the Purported Acquiror
(the "Prohibited Distributions"), to an agent designated by the Corporation (the
"Agent"). If the  Purported  Acquiror  has sold the  Prohibited  Interests to an
unrelated party in an arms-length  transaction after purportedly acquiring them,
the Purported Acquiror shall be deemed to have sold the Prohibited  Interests as
agent for the Initial  Transferor,  and in lieu of  Transferring  the Prohibited
Interests to the Agent shall Transfer to the Agent the Prohibited  Distributions
and the proceeds of such sale (the "Resale  Proceeds") except to the extent that
the Agent  grants  written  permission  to the  Purported  Acquiror  to retain a
portion of the Resale  Proceeds  not  exceeding  the amount that would 
                                       10
<PAGE>
have  been  payable  by the  Agent to the  Purported  Acquiror  pursuant  to the
following  subparagraph (b)(ii) if the Prohibited Interests had been sold by the
Agent  rather than by the  Purported  Acquiror.  Any  purported  Transfer of the
Prohibited  Interests by the Purported  Acquiror other than a Transfer described
in one of the two  preceding  sentences  shall not be  effective to Transfer any
ownership of the Prohibited Interests.

         (ii) The Agent  shall sell in an  arms-length  transaction  (on the New
York Stock Exchange,  if possible) any Prohibited  Interests  transferred to the
Agent by the  Purported  Acquiror,  and the  proceeds  of such sale (the  "Sales
Proceeds"), or the Resale  Proceeds,  if  applicable,  shall be allocated to the
Purported  Acquiror  up to the  following  amount:  (x)  where  applicable,  the
purported  purchase  price  paid or value of  consideration  surrendered  by the
Purported  Acquiror for the  Prohibited  Interests,  and (y) where the purported
Transfer of the  Prohibited  Interests  to the  Purported  Acquiror was by gift,
inheritance,  or any similar  purported  Transfer,  the fair market value of the
Prohibited  Interests  at the time of such  purported  Transfer.  Subject to the
succeeding  provisions  of this  subparagraph,  any  Resale  Proceeds  or  Sales
Proceeds in excess of the amount allocable to the Purported Acquiror pursuant to
the preceding sentence, together with any Prohibited Distributions, shall be the
property of the Initial  Transferor.  If the identity of the Initial  Transferor
cannot  be  determined  by the  Agent  through  inquiry  made  to the  Purported
Acquiror,  the  Agent  shall  publish  appropriate  notice  (in The Wall  Street
Journal,  if  possible)  for seven  consecutive  business  days in an attempt to
identify  the Initial  Transferor  in order to transmit  any Resale  Proceeds or
Sales  Proceeds  or  Prohibited  Distributions  due  to the  Initial  Transferor
pursuant to this  subparagraph.  The 
                                       11
<PAGE>
Agent may also take, but is not required to take,  other  reasonable  actions to
attempt to identify the Initial Transferor.  If after ninety (90) days following
the  final  publication  of such  notice  the  Initial  Transferor  has not been
identified,  any  amounts  due  to  the  Initial  Transferor  pursuant  to  this
subparagraph may be paid over to a court or governmental  agency,  if applicable
law permits,  or otherwise  shall be transferred to an entity  designated by the
Corporation  that is  described in Section  501(c)(3)  of the Code.  In no event
shall any such amounts due to the Initial Transferor inure to the benefit of the
Corporation  or the  Agent,  but  such  amounts  may be used to  cover  expenses
(including but not limited to the expenses of publication) incurred by the Agent
in attempting to identify the Initial Transferor.

         (c)  Within  thirty  (30)  business  days of  learning  of a  purported
Transfer of  Prohibited  Interests  to a  Purported  Acquiror,  the  Corporation
through its Secretary shall demand that the Purported  Acquiror surrender to the
Agent the  certificates  representing  the Prohibited  Interests,  or any Resale
Proceeds, and any Prohibited Distributions, and if such surrender is not made by
the  Purported  Acquiror  within thirty (30) business days from the date of such
demand  the  Corporation  shall  institute  legal  proceedings  to  compel  such
Transfer;  provided,  however, that nothing in this paragraph (c) shall preclude
the Corporation in its discretion from  immediately  bringing legal  proceedings
without a prior demand, and also provided that failure of the Corporation to act
within the time  periods set out in this  paragraph  (c) shall not  constitute a
waiver of any right of the Corporation under this Article VIII.

         (d) Upon a determination  by the Board of Directors that there has been
or is  threatened 
                                       12
<PAGE>
a purported Transfer of Prohibited Interests to a Purported Acquiror,  the Board
of  Directors  may take such action in  addition  to any action  required by the
preceding  paragraph as it deems  advisable to give effect to the  provisions of
this Article VIII, including, without limitation, refusing to give effect on the
books of this Corporation to such purported Transfer or instituting  proceedings
to enjoin such purported  Transfer.  

         (e) In the event of any  Transfer  which does not involve a Transfer of
"securities" of the Corporation within the meaning of the Maryland  Corporations
and Associations Code, as amended ("Securities"), but which would cause a person
or Public Group (the "Prohibited  Party") to violate a restriction  provided for
in subparagraph (a) of this Article VIII, the application of  subparagraphs  (b)
and (c) of this Article  VIII shall be modified as  described in this  paragraph
(e). In such case, the Prohibited  Party and/or any person or Public Group whose
ownership of the Corporation's  Securities is attributed to the Prohibited Party
pursuant  to Section  382 of the Code and the  Treasury  Regulations  thereunder
(collectively, the "Prohibited Party Group") shall not be required to dispose of
any interest  which is not a Security,  but shall be deemed to have disposed of,
and shall be required to dispose of,  sufficient  Securities  (which  Securities
shall be disposed of in the inverse order in which they were acquired by members
of the Prohibited Party Group),  to cause the Prohibited  Party,  following such
disposition,  not to be in violation of  subparagraph  (a) of this Article VIII.
Such  disposition  shall be deemed  to occur  simultaneously  with the  Transfer
giving rise to the application of this provision,  and such amount of Securities
which are deemed to be disposed of shall be considered  Prohibited Interests and
shall be disposed of through the Agent as provided in 
                                       13
<PAGE>
subparagraphs  (b)  and  (c) of this  Article  VIII,  except  that  the  maximum
aggregate  amount payable to the Prohibited  Party Group in connection with such
sale shall be the fair market value of the  Prohibited  Interests at the time of
the prohibited Transfer.  All expenses incurred by the Agent in disposing of the
Prohibited  Interests shall be paid out of any amounts due the Prohibited  Party
Group.

         (f) The Corporation  may require as a condition to the  registration of
the transfer of any shares of its Stock that the proposed  Transferee furnish to
the  Corporation all information  reasonably  requested by the Corporation  with
respect to all the proposed  Transferee's direct or indirect ownership interests
in, or options to acquire, Stock.

         (g) All certificates  evidencing  ownership of shares of Stock that are
subject to the  restrictions  on Transfer  contained  in this Article VIII shall
bear a conspicuous legend referencing the restrictions set forth in this Article
VIII.

         (h) Any person who knowingly  violates the restrictions on Transfer set
forth in this  Article  VIII  will be liable  to the  Corporation  for any costs
incurred by the Corporation as a result of such violation.

         (i) Nothing contained in this Article VIII shall limit the authority of
the Board of Directors to take such other action to the extent  permitted by law
as it deems  necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation and the interests
of the  holders  of its  securities  in  preserving  the Tax  Benefits.  Without
limiting the  generality  of the  foregoing,  in the event of a change in law or
Treasury  Regulations  making one or more of the following  actions necessary or
desirable, the Board
                                       14
<PAGE>
of Directors may (i) accelerate or extend the Expiration  Date,  (ii) modify the
Ownership Interest Percentage in the Corporation specified in the first sentence
of subparagraph  (a)(i),  or (iii) modify the definitions of any terms set forth
in this Article VIII;  provided that the Board of Directors  shall  determine in
writing that such acceleration,  extension, change or modification is reasonably
necessary  or  advisable  to preserve  the Tax  Benefits  under the Code and the
regulations  thereunder or that the  continuation  of these  restrictions  is no
longer  reasonably  necessary for the  preservation  of the Tax Benefits,  which
determination  shall be based upon an opinion  of legal  counsel or  independent
public accountants to the Corporation.

         (j) The Corporation and the Board of Directors shall be fully protected
in relying in good faith upon the information,  opinions,  reports or statements
of the chief  executive  officer,  the  chief  financial  officer,  or the chief
accounting  officer of the  Corporation or of the  Corporation's  legal counsel,
independent  auditors,  transfer agent,  investment bankers, and other employees
and  agents in making  the  determinations  and  findings  contemplated  by this
Article VIII, and neither the  Corporation  nor the Board of Directors  shall be
responsible for any good faith errors made in connection therewith.

         7.  The  authorized   share   structure  of  each  of  the  Constituent
Corporations is as follows:

                                       15
<PAGE>
                                                            Surviving Company
                                                            -----------------
                                                           (after giving effect
                               MHC II       MHA II          to the Stock Split)
                               ------       ------         

Total number of shares of 
all classes:                  2,000,000    2,000,000             16,666,667 

Number and par value of 
shares of each  class:        2,000,000    2,000,000             16,666,667  
                              shares of    shares of              shares of  
                            common stock,  common stock,        common  stock, 
                            $.00017  par    $.0007 par          $.03 par value
                                value         value  

Number of shares  without 
par value of each class:          -             -                      -  

Aggregate  par value of all 
shares with par value:          $340        $1,400                  $500,000



         8. The manner and basis of the  conversion  of the shares of the Merged
Companies shall be in accordance with the Agreement,  including, but not limited
to, the following:

                  (a) Upon the Merger becoming  effective,  each share of common
stock of each Merged  Company (the "Merged  Companies  Common Stock") issued and
outstanding  on the  Effective  Date,  by reason of the Merger and  without  any
action on the part of the holders  thereof,  shall be converted  into the Merger
Consideration Per Share (as defined below), except that any shares of the Merged
Companies Common Stock owned by Surviving Corporation or held in the treasury of
any of the Merged Companies shall be cancelled and all rights in respect thereof
shall cease to exist and no  securities,  cash or other property shall be issued
in respect thereof. The term 
                                       16
<PAGE>
"Merger  Consideration Per Share" shall mean for each  Merged  Company an amount
equal to the Merger  Consideration  (as defined  below) divided by the number of
issued and outstanding  shares of common stock of such Merged Company.  The term
"Merger Consideration" shall mean for each Merged Company (i) a number of shares
of Old Common Stock of Surviving Company (the "Surviving  Company Common Stock")
equal to (x) the book  value of such  Merged  Company as of the  Effective  Date
multiplied  by (y) a factor of 3.0 and  divided  by (z) the fully  diluted  book
value per share of the  Surviving  Company Old Common Stock as of the  Effective
Date;  provided,  however,  in the event the sum of the  Merged  Companies  book
values used in clause (x) above is more or less than  $2,500,000,  the excess or
shortfall  shall be  distributed  or contributed in cash as set forth in Section
1.3(b) of the  Agreement,  and (ii) a pro rata portion of the  Contingent  Stock
upon the terms and  conditions as set forth in Section  1.3(f) of the Agreement.
In addition, the Surviving Company shall pay to or receive from the shareholders
of the Merged Companies in cash the Adjustment Amount as such term is defined in
Section 1.3(b) of the Agreement.

                  (b)  Certificates for fractional  shares of Surviving  Company
Common  Stock  shall  not be  issued.  The total  number of shares of  Surviving
Company  Common Stock that any person shall have a right to receive  under these
Articles of Merger will be rounded up to the  nearest  whole share of  Surviving
Company Common Stock.

                  (c) After the Effective Date, each holder other than Surviving
Company of an outstanding certificate or certificates  theretofore  representing
shares of the  Merged  Companies  Common  Stock  (the  "Merged  Companies  Stock
Certificates"), upon  surrender  thereof to such bank,  
                                       17
<PAGE>
trust company or other person including Surviving Company as shall be designated
by the Surviving Company (the "Exchange Agent"), shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor a certificate or certificates representing the number of whole
shares of  Surviving  Company  Common  Stock into which the shares of the Merged
Companies Common Stock theretofore  represented by such surrendered  certificate
or  certificates  shall have been converted.  Until so surrendered,  each Merged
Companies Stock  Certificate,  shall be deemed for all purposes,  other than the
payment of  dividends  or other  distributions,  if any, in respect of Surviving
Company  Common Stock,  to represent the  appropriate  number of whole shares of
Surviving  Company  Common  Stock into which the shares of the Merged  Companies
Common Stock  theretofore  represented  thereby  shall have been  converted.  No
dividend  or other  distribution,  if any,  payable  to  holders  of  shares  of
Surviving  Company  Common  Stock shall be paid to the  holders of  certificates
theretofore  representing shares of the Merged Companies Common Stock; provided,
however,  that upon  surrender and exchange of such the Merged  Companies  Stock
Certificates  there shall be paid to the record holders of the stock certificate
or  certificates,  issued in exchange  therefor,  the amount,  without  interest
thereon,  of dividends and other  distributions,  if any, which  theretofore but
subsequent to the Effective  Date have become payable with respect to the number
of whole shares of Surviving  Company  Common Stock into which the shares of the
Merged Companies Common Stock  theretofore  represented  thereby shall have been
converted.

                  (d) All  issued  shares of  Surviving  Company  Common  Stock,
whether outstanding or reacquired immediately prior to the Effective Date, shall
continue  unchanged as shares of 
                                       18
<PAGE>
common stock of Surviving  Company,  except as otherwise changed pursuant to the
Stock Split.

         9. The  terms and  conditions  of the  Merger  and the  Agreement  were
advised,  authorized, and approved by Surviving Company in the manner and by the
vote  required  by its  Articles  of  Incorporation  and the  provisions  of the
Maryland  Corporations and Associations  Code, and the said Merger and Agreement
approved in the manner hereinafter set forth.

         10. The Merger and the Agreement  were duly advised and approved by the
Board of Directors of Surviving Company in the following  manner.  Said Board of
Surviving  Company adopted a resolution  declaring that the Merger of the Merged
Companies into Surviving  Company is advisable upon the terms and conditions set
forth in the Agreement. Said resolution of the Board of Directors was adopted at
a meeting duly held on September 5,  1996, at which a quorum was present, and at
which the Board acted by at least a majority of its members present thereat.

         11. The Board of Directors of Surviving  Company directed the Secretary
of the corporation to prepare a written notice of the time,  place,  and purpose
of a meeting  of  shareholders  of  Surviving  Company to take  action  upon the
proposed Merger and the Agreement and to furnish a copy of said notice to all of
the shareholders of Surviving  Company entitled to vote upon the proposed Merger
and the Agreement.

         12. The Merger and the Agreement were duly approved by the shareholders
of Surviving  Company in the following manner. At a meeting of shareholders duly
held on December  23,  1996,  pursuant to notice  duly given,  the  shareholders
approved the same by the  affirmative  vote of at least a majority of all shares
outstanding.
                                       19
<PAGE>
         13. The terms and  conditions  of the Merger herein set forth were duly
advised,  authorized,  and approved, in respect of the Merged Companies,  in the
manner  and by the  vote  required  by the  Articles  of  Incorporation  of said
corporations  and by the laws of the  State of  Arizona,  which is the  state of
incorporation of said corporations.

         14. The Merger and the  Agreement  were duly  advised  and  unanimously
approved by the respective Board of Directors of each of the Merged Companies at
a meeting held pursuant to notice on July 31, 1996.

         15. The Merger and the Agreement were duly approved by the shareholders
of the Merged Companies by unanimous written consent dated September_9, 1996.

         16.  Subject  to and in  accordance  with  the  laws of the  States  of
Maryland and Arizona,  the conditions  precedent  contained in the Agreement and
the other  obligations of the parties set forth in the Agreement,  the effective
date of the Merger  (the  "Effective  Date") for  purposes of state law shall be
such date and time the Articles of Merger are filed with the  Secretary of State
of the State of Maryland and the Corporation Commission of the State of Arizona.

         17. Notwithstanding  anything herein to the contrary, the Merger may be
terminated  at any time on or  before  the  Effective  Date as  provided  in the
Agreement.  In the event of the  termination  of the Merger,  these  Articles of
Merger  shall  become  void  and  of no  effect  without  any  liability  to the
Constituent  Corporations  or to the  directors,  officers,  representatives  or
agents of any of them except for the obligations the Constituent Corporations to
pay certain fees and expenses as provided for in the Agreement.
                                       20
<PAGE>
         18. These Articles of Merger may be modified at any time in any respect
by the mutual consent of the  Constituent  Corporations,  notwithstanding  prior
approval by the respective  shareholders.  Any such modification may be approved
for any such corporation by its Board of Directors,  without further shareholder
approval,   except  that  the  value  and  method  of  calculating   the  Merger
Consideration  to be issued in exchange  for the shares of the Merged  Companies
Common Stock may not be increased or materially  altered  without the consent of
the  shareholders  of Surviving  Company and may not be decreased or  materially
altered without the consent of the  shareholders of the Merged  Companies given,
in each case,  by the same vote as is required  under  applicable  state law for
approval of the Merger; provided, however, no consent of the shareholders of the
Constituent  Corporations  shall  be  required  to  substitute  cash in place of
Surviving Company Common Stock.
                                       21
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the Constituent  Corporations  has caused
these Articles of Merger to be executed under the penalty of perjury on the 31st
day of December, 1996.


                                   HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
                                   CORPORATION


                                   By: /s/ Alan D. Hamberlin
                                   Name:    Alan D. Hamberlin
                                   Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


                                   Attested to:


                                   By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                                   Name:    Jay R. Hoffman
                                   Title:   President, Secretary and Treasurer




                                   MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION II, INC.


                                   By: /s/ William W. Cleverly
                                   Name:    William W. Cleverly
                                   Title:   President


                                       22
<PAGE>
                                   Attested to:


                                   By: /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                                   Name:    Steven J. Hilton
                                   Title:   Secretary and Treasurer
                                   MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC.


                                   By: /s/ Larry W. Seay
                                   Name:    Larry W. Seay
                                   Title:   Chief Financial Officer


                                   Attested to:


                                   By: /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                                   Name:    Steven J. Hilton
                                   Title:   Secretary and Treasurer

                             AMENDMENT TO THE BYLAWS

                                       OF

                    HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS CORPORATION


         This Amendment (this "Amendment") to the Homeplex Mortgage  Investments
Corporation  (the "Company")  Bylaws (the "Bylaws"),  is made as of December 16,
1996.

         WHEREAS,  the Board of  Directors  of the  Company  believes  that this
Amendment  is in the best  interest of the Company and the Board or Directors of
the Company has authorized  and duly adopted this  Amendment in accordance  with
the Bylaws.

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Bylaws are hereby amended as follows:

1.       The first  sentence  of Article  II,  Section 2 of the Bylaws is hereby
amended to read in its entirety as follows:

         "The number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed at five (5),
and the number of directors  may not be changed  except with the approval of the
shareholders."

2.       Article XII is hereby  amended to add a new section as the last section
of Article XII, as follows:

         "Without  prior  approval of the  shareholders,  the board of directors
will not take any action or omit to take any action  which would cause or result
in failure of the  corporation  to qualify  as a real  estate  investment  trust
within the meaning of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a "REIT").
The board of directors shall cause the corporation to exercise all of its rights
to prevent transfer of shares, or to redeem shares, to cause the corporation not
to fail to quality  as a REIT.  This  Section  may not be  amended  without  the
approval of the shareholders in accordance with Article XII."

<TABLE>
<S>              <C>
                 Temporary Certificate-Exchangeable for Definitive Engraved Certificate When Ready for Delivery




  NUMBER                                                     MONTEREY HOMES                                                SHARES
  MH                                                          CORPORATION

                                          INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND

THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN THE CITIES                                               SEE REVERSE FOR IMPORTANT NOTICE ON
OF SAN FRANCISCO, CA RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ                                                 TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION
            OR NEW YORK, NY                                                                            CUSIP 612502 10 4


This Certifies that



is the record holder of

                              FULLY PAID AND NON ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE, OF

- ---------------------------------------------------  MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION  --------------------------------------------------

(The "Corporation")  transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by its duly authorized attorney,
upon surrender of this Certificate  properly  endorsed.  This Certificate and the shares  represented hereby are issued and shall be
held subject to all of the provisions of the charter of the  Corporation  (the  "Charter") and the Bylaws of the Corporation and any
amendments thereto. This Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Corporation  has caused this  Certificate  to be  executed on its behalf by its duly  authorized
officers.

Dated:

      SECRETARY                                      MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION                                      CHAIRMAN
                                                    CORPORATE SEAL 1988 MARYLAND





                                                                                  COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
                                                                                          CHASEMELLON SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, L.L.C.
                                                                                                        TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR


                                                                                  BY
                                                                                                              AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
         The shares  represented by this certificate are subject to restrictions
on  Transfer  for  the  purpose  of the  Corporation's  maintenance  of the  net
operating loss  carry-overs,  capital loss  carry-overs  and built-in  losses to
which the Corporation is entitled pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.  Subject to certain  further  restrictions  and except as  expressly
provided in the Corporation's Charter, no person may engage in any Transfer that
is with any other person if such  Transfer  would cause the  Ownership  Interest
Percentage of any person or Public Group to increase to 4.9 percent or above, or
from 4.9 percent or above to a greater Ownership Interest  Percentage,  or would
create a new Public  Group.  Any  attempted  Transfer  that is prohibited by the
Corporation's  Charter  shall be void ab initio,  and all right with  respect to
Prohibited  Interest  shall  remain the  property  of the  person who  initially
purported to Transfer the Prohibited Interests until such time as the Prohibited
Interests are resold as provided in the Corporation's  Charter.  All capitalized
terms  in  this  legend  have  the  meanings  defined  in  the  Charter  of  the
Corporation,  as the same may be  amended  from  time to time,  a copy of which,
including the restrictions on transfer and ownership,  will be furnished to each
holder of Common Stock on request and without  charge.  Requests for such a copy
may  be  directed  to the  Secretary  of the  Corporation  at the  Corporation's
principal executive office.

         The  Corporation  is  authorized  to issue two classes of capital stock
which are designed as Common Stock and Preferred Shares.  The Board of Directors
is authorized to determine the preferences,  limitations, and relative rights of
the  Preferred  Shares  before  the  issuance  of  any  Preferred  Shares.   The
Corporation will furnish,  without charge,  to any shareholder  making a written
request therefor, a copy of the Corporation's Charter and a written statement of
the  designations,  relative rights,  preferences and limitations  applicable to
each such class of stock. Requests for such written statement may be directed to
the  Secretary of the  Corporation,  at the  Corporation's  principal  executive
office.

         The following  abbreviations,  when used in the Inscription on the face
of the  certificate,  shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>       <C>                                        <C>
TEN COM - as tenants in common                       UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - _______Custodian_______
TEN ANT - as tenants by the entitles                                     (Cust)           (Miner)
JT TEN  - as joint tenants with right of                                 Under Uniform Gifts to Minors
          survivorship and not as tenants                                Act__________________________
                                                                                                 (State)
                                                     UNIF TRF MIN ACT-______Custodian (until age________)
                                                                      (Cust)
                                                                      ___________under Uniform Transfers
                                                                        (Minor)
                                                                      To Miners Act___________________
                                                                                        (State)
</TABLE>
     Additional abbreviations may also be used through not in the above list

   FOR VALUE RECEIVED,____________________ hereby sell, assign, transfer unto

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
     IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
- -------------------------------------------
|                                         |
- -------------------------------------------


________________________________________________________________________________
  (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE)

________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________Shares
of the common stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby 
irrevocably constitute and appoint

________________________________________________________________________Attorney
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Corporation with 
full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated_______________________________
                                      X ________________________________________
                                      X ________________________________________
                                 NOTICE: THE  SIGNATURE  TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST
                                        CORRESPOND WITH  THE  NAME(S) AS WRITTEN
                                        UPON  THE FACE  OF  THE  CERTIFICATE  IN
                                        EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION  OR
                                        ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

Signature(s) Guaranteed



By________________________________________________
THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS,
STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS WITH MEMBERSHIP
IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE
1745-45.


================================================================================
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT



                                      among



                      MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION II, INC.,

                             an Arizona corporation



                                       and



                        MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC.,

                             an Arizona corporation,

                                  as Borrowers,



                                       and

                   NORWEST BANK ARIZONA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                         a national banking association,



                                       and



                             BANK ONE, ARIZONA, NA,

                         a national banking association,

                                   as Lenders



                                       and


                   NORWEST BANK ARIZONA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                         a national banking association,

                                    as Agent


                                December 20, 1996
================================================================================
<PAGE>
================================================================================
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----


1.       CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS..............................................2

         1.1.     Certain Defined Terms.....................................2

         1.2.     Computation of Time Periods...............................20

         1.3.     Accounting Terms..........................................20

2.       EXISTING LOANS 20

         2.1.     Outstanding Loans; Payment Upon Effective Date............20

3.       CONDITIONS PRECEDENT...............................................21

         3.1.     Conditions of Effectiveness...............................21

         3.2.     Conditions Precedent to All Borrowings After the Merger...23

         3.3.     Conditions Precedent to All Borrowings....................24

4.       THE GENERAL TERMS OF THE LOANS.....................................25

         4.1.     Loan Structure............................................25

         4.2.     Maximum Amount of All Loans...............................25

         4.3.     Ratable Loans.............................................25

         4.4.     Types of Advances, Final Maturity.........................25

         4.5.     Guaranties................................................26

         4.6.     Collateral................................................26

         4.7.     Single Obligation.........................................27

5.       MASTER CONSTRUCTION LINE...........................................27

         5.1.     The Construction Line.....................................27

         5.2.     Collateral Base...........................................28

         5.3.     Limitations on Residential Units in Collateral Base.......30

         5.4.     Monthly Construction Status Report to Agent...............31

         5.5.     Inclusion in Collateral Base..............................32

         5.6.     Inspections...............................................32

         5.7.     Collateral Base Adjustments...............................33
                                       ii
<PAGE>
         5.8.     Defective Work............................................33

         5.9.     Budget Shortfall..........................................33

         5.10.    Obligations...............................................33

6.       TERM LOAN .........................................................34

         6.1.     The Term Loan.............................................34

7.       GUIDANCE LINE OF CREDIT............................................34

         7.1.     Guidance Line of Credit...................................35

         7.2.     Existing Subdivisions.....................................37

         7.3.     Approval of New Projects..................................38

         7.4.     Letters of Credit.........................................41

         7.5.     Disbursement Procedures...................................43

         7.6.     Interest..................................................43

8.       BORROWINGS ........................................................43

         8.1.     Method of Borrowing.......................................43

         8.2.     Method of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for

                   Advances.................................................43

         8.3.     Method of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for

                   Conversion and Continuation of Advances..................45

         8.4.     Maximum Number of Eurodollar Advances and Minimum Amount

                   of Each Eurodollar Advance...............................45

         8.5.     Rate after Maturity.......................................45

         8.6      Method of Payment.........................................46

         8.7.     Notes; Telephonic Notices.................................46

         8.8.     Interest Payment Dates: Interest and Fee Basis............46

         8.9.     Notification of Advances, Interest Rates, Prepayments and

                   Commitment Reductions....................................46

         8.10.    Non-Receipt of Funds by the Agent.........................47

         8.11.    Unconditional Obligation to Make Payments.................47

         8.12.    Advances During Default...................................47

         8.13.    Draw Requests.............................................48

         8.14.    Disbursements to Other Parties............................51

9.       CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES............................................51

         9.1.     Yield-Protection..........................................51
                                      iii
<PAGE>
         9.2.     Changes in Capital Adequacy Regulations...................51

         9.3.     Availability of Types of Advances.........................52

         9.4.     Lender Statements; Survival of Indemnity..................52

10.      REAL ESTATE COLLATERAL.............................................52

         10.1.    First Mortgages...........................................52

         10.2.    Title Insurance or Commitment.............................52

         10.3.    Appraisal Requirements....................................53

         10.4.    Flood Report..............................................53

         10.5.    Releases..................................................53

11.      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.....................................54

         11.1.    Organization, Powers, etc.................................54

         11.2.    Authorization and Validity of this Agreement. etc.........54

         11.3.    Financial Statements......................................55

         11.4.    No Material Adverse Effect................................56

         11.5.    Title to Properties.......................................56

         11.6.    Litigation................................................56

         11.7.    Payment of Taxes..........................................56

         11.8.    Agreements................................................56

         11.9.    Foreign Direct Investment Regulations.....................57

         11.10.   Federal Reserve Regulations...............................57

         11.11.   Consents, etc.............................................57

         11.12.   Compliance with Applicable Laws...........................57

         11.13.   Relationship of the Borrower..............................58

         11.14.   Subsidiaries..............................................58

         11.15.   ERISA.58

         11.16.   Investment Company Act....................................59

         11.17.   Public Utility Holding Company Act........................59

         11.18.   Subordinated Debt.........................................59

         11.19.   Post-Retirement Benefits..................................59

         11.20.   INTENTIONALLY DELETED.....................................59

         11.21.   Environmental Representations.............................59

         11.22.   No Misrepresentation......................................59
                                       iv
<PAGE>
12.      AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS..............................................60

         12.1.    Existence, Properties, etc................................60

         12.2.    Notice....................................................60

         12.3.    Payments of Debts, Taxes, etc.............................60

         12.4.    Accounts and Reports......................................61

         12.5.    Access to Premises and Records............................64

         12.6.    Maintenance of Properties and Insurance...................64

         12.7.    Compliance with Applicable Laws...........................64

         12.8.    Change in Collateral......................................65

         12.9.    Use of Proceeds...........................................65

13.      NEGATIVE COVENANTS.................................................65

         13.1.    Minimum Adjusted Tangible Net Worth.......................65

         13.2.    Minimum Liquidity.........................................65

         13.3.    Maximum Leverage..........................................65

         13.4.     Minimum Debt Coverage....................................66

         13.5.    Guaranties................................................66

         13.6.    Sale of Assets; Acquisitions; Merger......................66

         13.7.     INTENTIONALLY DELETED....................................67

         13.8.    Dividends and Distributions...............................67

         13.9.     Subordinated Debt........................................67

         13.10.   Construction in Progress..................................67

         13.11.   No Margin Stock...........................................67

         13.12.   Transactions with Affiliates..............................67

14.      EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES........................................67

         14.1.    Events of Default.........................................67

         14.2.    General Remedies..........................................70

         14.3.    Advances to Protect Lenders' Interests....................70

         14.4.    Cease Funding.............................................70

         14.5.    Acceleration and Increased Rate of Interest...............70

         14.5.    Lenders' Attorneys' Fees..................................70

         14.6.    Specific Performance......................................71

         14.7.    Other Remedies............................................71
                                       v
<PAGE>
         14.8.    Application of Funds......................................71

15.      BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.................71

         15.1.    Successors and Permitted Assigns..........................71

         15.2.    Dissemination of Information..............................72

16.      SETOFF; RATABLE PAYMENTS...........................................72

         16.1.    Setoff....................................................72

         16.2.    Ratable Payments..........................................72

17.      MISCELLANEOUS .....................................................72

         17.1.    Notice....................................................72

         17.2.    Survival of Representations...............................74

         17.3.    Expenses..................................................74

         17.4.    Indemnification of the Lenders and the Agent..............75

         17.5.    Release of Claims.........................................75

         17.6.    Maximum Interest Rate.....................................76

         17.7.    Modification of Agreement.................................76

         17.8.    Preservation of Rights....................................76

         17.9.    Joint and Several Obligations of Borrower; Several

                   Obligations of Lenders...................................76

         17.10.   Severability..............................................77

         17.11.   Counterparts..............................................77

         17.12.   Loss, etc., Notes.........................................77

         17.13.   Governmental Regulation...................................77

         17.14.   Taxes.....................................................77

         17.15.   Headings..................................................77

         17.16.   Entire Agreement..........................................77

         17.17.   Signs.....................................................78

         17.18.   ARBITRATION AGREEMENT; WAIVER OF RIGHT TO
                  JURY TRIAL................................................79
                                       vi
<PAGE>
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS CREDIT  AGREEMENT (the  "Agreement") is made as of the 20th day of
December,  1996 by and among  Monterey Homes  Construction  II, Inc., an Arizona
corporation  ("MHC  II")  and  Monterey  Homes  Arizona  II,  Inc.,  an  Arizona
corporation ("MHA II") (MHC II and MHA II are sometimes  hereinafter referred to
collectively as the "Borrower"),  Norwest Bank Arizona, National Association,  a
national  banking  association,  and Bank One,  Arizona,  NA, a national banking
association  (collectively,  the "Lenders")  and Norwest Bank Arizona,  National
Association, a national banking association, as Agent (the "Agent").


                                R E C I T A L S:

         WHEREAS,  Borrower  desires to obtain from  Lenders  (a) a  $20,000,000
master  construction  line of credit to  finance  vertical  construction  in the
Subdivisions,  (b) a $20,000,000  guidance line of credit to finance acquisition
and  development in existing  Subdivisions  and to finance new  acquisition  and
development  on a project  specific  basis as approved  by Lenders  from time to
time,  and (c) a  $6,052,500  term loan to  refinance  an existing  loan made by
Norwest  which was used by  Borrower  to fund a portion of the  distribution  of
retained earnings of Borrower to its shareholders prior to the Merger;

         WHEREAS,  Borrower intends to merge with and into Public Company, which
will be the  surviving  company  and which  will  thereafter  change its name to
Monterey Homes Corporation;

         WHEREAS,  immediately prior to the Merger, Borrower intends to form the
Drop-Down  Subsidiaries  and  transfer  all of  their  assets  and  liabilities,
including,  without  limitation,  Borrower's  Real Estate and all of  Borrower's
right, title, interest, obligations and liabilities under this Agreement and the
Loan Documents, to the Drop-Down Subsidiaries;

         WHEREAS,  subject to the terms and  conditions of this  Agreement,  the
Drop-Down  Subsidiaries will assume all of the Borrower's Obligations under this
Agreement and the Loan  Documents,  and Borrower will  guarantee the payment and
performance of the Obligations;

         WHEREAS, after the effective date of the Merger, Public Company intends
to form the New Business Subsidiaries which, subject to the terms and conditions
of  this  Agreement,  will  assume  the  Obligations  and  become  a  "Borrower"
hereunder;

         WHEREAS,  Lenders desire to proceed with the making of the Loans on the
terms and conditions contained herein;

         NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises, the mutual covenants
and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable  consideration,  the
receipt and  sufficiency  of which is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties  hereby
agree as follows:
<PAGE>
1. CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS

         1.1. Certain Defined Terms. As used herein, each of the following terms
shall have the meaning  ascribed to it below,  which meaning shall be applicable
to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined:

         "Agreed Cost" means the agreed-upon  cost of each Residential Unit Base
Plan,  including Approved Upgrades,  as shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference, and as revised from time to time by Agent
in  its  sole  and  absolute  discretion  based  upon  Borrower's  updated  cost
estimates.

         "Adjusted  Tangible Net Worth" means, as of any date of  determination,
the amount of consolidated Owners' Equity of the Obligated Group as shown on its
consolidated  balance sheet,  plus  Subordinated  Debt, minus the Net Book Value
(after  deducting  reserves  applicable  thereto)  of all assets  classified  as
intangible  assets  under  GAAP,   including,   without  limitation,   goodwill,
trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights,  patents, licenses, permits,
covenants not to compete,  and rights related thereto,  minus any stock or other
securities  or  evidences  of  indebtedness  of any other  Person,  any loans or
advances to any other Person,  or any  investment or interest  whatsoever in any
other Person, including specifically, but without limitation, any partnership or
joint venture,  except (a)  investments in Cash  Equivalents and (b) investments
in, or receivables from , joint ventures and partnerships,  or  seller-carryback
financing  secured by a First Mortgage in favor of Borrower,  but which,  in the
aggregate  with  respect to clause (b),  do not exceed ten percent  (10%) of the
Obligated Group's Tangible Assets.

         "Advance"  means a  borrowing  hereunder  consisting  of the  aggregate
amount of the several  Loans,  made by the Lenders to the Borrower,  of the same
Type.

         "Affiliate" of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling,  controlled by or under common  control with such Person.  A Person
shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling  Person owns 10% or
more of any class of voting  securities  (or other  ownership  interests) of the
controlled Person or possesses,  directly or indirectly,  the power to direct or
cause the  direction of the  management  or policies of the  controlled  Person,
whether through ownership of stock, by contract or otherwise.

         "Agent"  means  Norwest  Bank  Arizona,  National  Association,  in its
capacity  as agent for the  Lenders,  and not in its  individual  capacity  as a
Lender, and any successor Agent appointed pursuant to the Co-Lender Agreement.

         "Aggregate  Commitment"  means the aggregate of the  Commitments of all
the Lenders, as reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.
                                       2
<PAGE>
         "Agreement"  means  this  Credit  Agreement,  as  it  may  be  amended,
modified, supplemented, restated or replaced from time to time.

         "Applicable Margin" means:

                  (a) prior to the Merger:

                           (i) with respect to Floating  Interest  Rate Advances
under the Construction Line, 50 basis points;

                           (ii) with respect to a Eurodollar  Advances under the
Construction Line, 275 basis points;

                           (iii) with respect to Floating Interest Rate Advances
under the Guidance Line, 50 basis points;

                           (iv) with respect to a Eurodollar  Advances under the
Guidance Line, 300 basis points; and

                           (v) with respect to Floating  Interest  Rate Advances
under the Term Loan, 50 basis points;

                  (b) on or after the Merger:

                           (i) with respect to Floating  Interest  Rate Advances
under the Construction Line, 25 basis points;

                           (ii) with respect to a Eurodollar  Advances under the
Construction Line, 250 basis points;

                           (iii) with respect to Floating Interest Rate Advances
under the Guidance Line, 50 basis points;

                           (iv) with respect to a Eurodollar  Advances under the
Guidance Line, 300 basis points; and

                           (v) with respect to Floating  Interest  Rate Advances
under the Term Loan, 25 basis points.

         "Appraisal" means a written appraisal of the Real Estate or one or more
Lots, Models or Base Plans prepared by a qualified  appraiser who is a member of
the  American  Institute  of Real  Estate  Appraisers  or of another  nationally
recognized  group of  professional  appraisers,  selected by the Agent,  setting
forth an opinion as to the Appraised Value.
                                       3
<PAGE>
         "Appraised  Value" means, with respect to an interest in Real Estate as
of a given  date,  the then  current  fair  market  value of that  interest,  as
determined by a qualified appraiser who is a member of the American Institute of
Real Estate Appraisers or of another nationally recognized group of professional
appraisers,  selected by the Agent,  based upon  generally  accepted  methods of
appraising and in conformity with the  requirements of any applicable law, rule,
regulation,  policy,  guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of
law) of any Governmental Authority,  or any interpretation  thereof,  including,
without  limitation,  the  provisions of Title XI of the Financial  Institutions
Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended,  reformed or otherwise
modified  from  time to  time,  and any  rules  promulgated  to  implement  such
provisions.

         "Approved Upgrade" means the agreed value of the flooring and in-ground
swimming pools for each Project,  as more particularly  described in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference,  and, with respect to
new  Projects,  as agreed upon in writing by Borrower  and Agent,  and any other
upgrades to the Base Plans approved in writing by Agent.

         "Article" means an article of this Agreement unless another document is
specifically referenced.

         "Assignment and Assumption Agreement" means that certain assignment and
assumption agreement among the Borrower and the Drop-Down Subsidiaries, with the
consent  and  release of MHC II and MHA II (and the  affirmative  acknowledgment
that the  Public  Company is not a  "Borrower"  or  primary  obligor  under this
Agreement) by Lenders, in form and substance  satisfactory to Lenders,  pursuant
to which the Borrower assigns, and the Drop-Down Subsidiaries assume, all of the
Borrower's right,  title,  interest,  obligations and Liabilities under the Loan
Documents.

         "Audited Financial Statements" is defined in Section 11.3(a).

         "Authorized Officer" means any of the officers of any Borrower, as more
particularly described on Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this  reference,  or any other  Person  designated  by the  Borrower  in writing
(together  with  an  incumbency  certificate  and  specimen  signature  of  such
Authorized Officer) to act as an Authorized Officer hereunder, acting singly.

         "Average Lost Monthly Interest  Income" means the amount  determined by
dividing (i) the product of the Average Principal and the Lost Rate, by (ii) 12,
where:

         "Average  Principal"  means the amount equal to either (i) one-half the
sum of (A) the amount of principal being prepaid and (B) the amount of principal
that is scheduled to be due
                                       4
<PAGE>
on the  last  Business  Day of the  Interest  Period  for such  Eurodollar  Loan
("Balloon  Amount"),  or (ii) the amount of  principal  being  prepaid,  if such
amount is less than the Balloon Amount; and

         "Lost Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the  percentage,  if any,
by which (i) the yield to maturity of United States  Treasury  debt  obligations
having a maturity date nearest to the last  Business Day of the Interest  Period
for such Eurodollar Loan ("Treasury Obligations") determined on the first day of
the Interest  Period exceeds (ii) the yield to maturity of Treasury  Obligations
determined on the date of prepayment.

         "Base Lot" means the standard Lot for each Project, without any premium
based upon  location,  view or other special  characteristics  of the particular
Lot.

         "Base Plan" means the standard  floor plans with  standard  features of
each type of Residential Unit,  including Approved Upgrades,  plus the Base Lot,
as more  particularly  described on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this reference.

         "Base Plan  Budget"  means,  with  respect to each type of  Residential
Unit,  the  sum of (a)  the  cost  of all  on-site  labor  and  materials  to be
incorporated  into such Residential  Unit, (b) the  engineering,  architectural,
permitting,  land use planning and other  approved  "soft costs"  related to the
Residential  Unit, (c) the Lot Release Price or Lot Option Price, as applicable,
(d) an overhead  factor  equal to four percent  (4%) of the  construction  costs
referred  to in clause  (a)  above,  and (e) an  interest  reserve  equal to two
percent (2%) of the construction  costs referred to in clause (a) above, as more
particularly described on Exhibit "C" attached hereto and incorporated herein by
this reference.

         "BOAZ" means Bank One,  Arizona,  NA, and its  successors and permitted
assigns, in its capacity as Lender.

         "Borrower" means:

                  (i) prior to the formation of the Drop-Down  Subsidiaries  and
the Merger, MHC II and MHA II;

                  (ii) after the formation of the Drop-Down Subsidiaries and the
assignment  and  assumption by the  Drop-Down  Subsidiaries  of the Loans,  this
Agreement and the Loan Documents, the Drop-Down Subsidiaries; and

                  (iii) after the formation of the New Business Subsidiaries and
the assumption by the New Business Subsidiaries of the Loans, this Agreement and
the  Loan   Documents,   the  Drop-Down   Subsidiaries   and  the  New  Business
Subsidiaries.

         Whenever  used in this  Agreement,  the term  "Borrower"  refers to and
means each of the entities  comprising  the Borrower,  individually,  and all of
such entities,  collectively.  All of the
                                       5
<PAGE>
entities  comprising  the  Borrower  shall be jointly  and  severally  liable as
Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, and all other Loan Documents.

         "Borrowing Date" means a date on which an Advance is made hereunder.

         "Borrowing Notice" is defined in Section 8.2.

         "Bulk Land Price" means the lesser of (a) seventy-five percent (75%) of
the aggregate  as-developed  bulk wholesale  Appraised  Value of all Real Estate
purchased and which may be developed  under a single  Guidance Loan,  including,
without limitation,  unsubdivided Real Estate and subdivided Real Estate, or (b)
eighty  percent  (80%) of the  Bulk  Land  Budget  in  connection  with a single
Guidance Loan.

         "Bulk Land Budget" means,  with respect to a single  Guidance Loan, the
budgeted  cost to acquire and  develop the Real Estate and install any  off-site
and on-site  infrastructure  improvements,  as approved by Lenders in their sole
and  absolute  discretion.  The Bulk Land Budget may be  allocated  between Real
Estate  intended to be subdivided by Borrower and Real Estate not intended to be
subdivided by Borrower.

         "Business Day" means (i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate
selection  of  Eurodollar  Advances,  a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on
which banks are open for business in Phoenix, Arizona and New York, New York and
on which  dealings  in  United  States  dollars  are  carried  on in the  London
interbank  market and (ii) for all other purposes,  a day (other than a Saturday
or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Phoenix, Arizona.

         "Calendar Quarter" means the three-month periods from January 1 through
March 31;  April 1 through June 30; July 1 through  September  30; and October 1
through December 31.

         "Capitalized  Lease" of a Person  means any lease of  property  by such
Person as lessee which would be  capitalized  on a balance  sheet of such Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP.

         "Capitalized  Lease  Obligations"  of a Person  means the amount of the
obligations  of such Person under  Capitalized  Leases which would be shown as a
liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

         "Cash  Equivalents"  means  investments  (directly  or  through a money
market fund) in (a)  certificates of deposit and other interest bearing deposits
or accounts with United States  commercial  banks  (including all affiliates and
subsidiaries)  having a combined  capital and surplus of at least  $300,000,000,
which certificates,  deposits, and accounts mature within one year from the date
of  investment  and are fully  insured as to  principal  by the Federal  Deposit
Insurance  Corporation  or any  successor  agency,  (b)  obligations  issued  or
unconditionally  guaranteed  by the United  States  government,  or issued by an
agency  thereof  and backed by the
                                       6
<PAGE>
full faith and credit of the United States government,  which obligations mature
within one year from the date of investment,  (c) direct  obligations  issued by
any state or political subdivision of the United States, which mature within one
year from the date of investment  and have the highest  rating  obtainable  from
Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service,  Inc. on the date of
investment,  (d)  commercial  paper  which  has one of the two  highest  ratings
obtainable from Standard & Poor's  Corporation or by Moody's Investors  Service,
Inc.,  (e) funds held in a brokered  money  market  account  with a net worth in
excess of $500,000,000 and approved for investment by insurance companies by the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners,  (f) the amount available under
the  Construction  Line for  Advances  to  Borrower  pursuant to the most recent
Construction  Status Report and Collateral Base  Certificate  approved by Agent,
but  not  yet  drawn  by  Borrower,  and  (g)  collateral  mortgage  obligations
classified as short-term investments by Borrower in accordance with GAAP.

         "Change in Law" means (i) any change  after the date of this  Agreement
in the  Risk-Based  Capital  Guidelines or (ii) any adoption of or change in any
other  law,  governmental  or  quasi-governmental   rule,  regulation,   policy,
guideline, interpretation, or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
after the date of this Agreement which affects the amount of capital required or
expected  to be  maintained  by any Lender or any  corporation  controlling  any
Lender.

         "Check  Release  Methodology"  means a  methodology  allowing  for loan
availability  only when a check to a third party has been  released,  or will be
released  within one (1) Business  Day of the funding of an Advance,  to pay for
the  construction  item (work and/or  materials)  which is  completed  and where
reasonable evidence of such check payment to a third party is provided to Agent.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or
otherwise modified from time to time.

         "Co-Lender  Agreement" means that certain  Co-Lender  Agreement of even
date  herewith  among  Lenders  and  Agent,  as it  may  be  amended,  modified,
supplemented, restated or replaced from time to time.

         "Collateral"  means,  at any time,  any assets owned by the Borrower or
any Guarantor that then are subject to a Mortgage or other  security  instrument
in favor of the Agent as security for all or any part of the Obligations.

         "Collateral Base" is defined in Section 5.2.

         "Collateral Base Certificate"  means a certificate in substantially the
form attached hereto as Exhibit "D" and incorporated herein by this reference.
                                       7
<PAGE>
         "Commitment"  means,  for each of the Lenders,  the  obligation of such
Lender to make  Loans not  exceeding  the  amounts  set  forth on  Schedule  "1"
attached hereto and incorporated  herein by this reference,  as such amounts may
be modified from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.

         "Completion  Percentage" means the percentage (in 5% increments rounded
down to the  nearest  multiple  of 5 and  expressed  as a decimal  fraction)  of
construction  completed as of the date of the Construction Status Report,  based
upon the actual field percentage of work completed for such Residential Unit, as
determined by the Agent's inspection of the Residential Unit; provided, however,
from and after  written  request by Agent to Borrower,  Borrower  shall  provide
Agent  information  reasonably  satisfactory  to Agent to determine the ratio of
costs already incurred by Borrower for material and labor  incorporated into the
applicable  Residential  Unit to Borrower's  total  anticipated cost (reasonably
estimated  in good faith) to  construct  such  Residential  Unit,  as said total
anticipated  costs are promptly adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in
anticipated costs, and the Completion  Percentage shall be based upon the lesser
of (a) the actual field percentage of work completed for such Residential  Unit,
as determined by the Agent's  inspection of the  Residential  Unit;  and (b) the
ratio of costs already incurred by Borrower for material and labor  incorporated
into the  applicable  Residential  Unit to  Borrower's  total  anticipated  cost
(reasonably estimated in good faith) to construct such Residential Unit, as said
total  anticipated  costs are  promptly  adjusted  from time to time to  reflect
changes in anticipated costs.

         "Consolidated  Net Income"  means,  for any period,  the  combined  Net
Income (or loss) of the  Obligated  Group for such period (taken as a cumulative
whole),  as determined in accordance with GAAP, after eliminating all offsetting
debits and  credits  between or among the  Obligated  Group and all other  items
required  to be  eliminated  in the course of the  preparation  of  consolidated
financial statements of the Obligated Group in accordance with GAAP.

         "Construction Line Commitment" means $20,000,000.

         "Construction Line" is defined in Section 5.1.

         "Construction Line Maturity Date" is defined in Section 5.1(c).

         "Contingent Obligation" of a Person means any agreement, undertaking or
arrangement by which such Person  assumes,  guarantees,  endorses,  contingently
agrees to purchase or provide funds for the payment of, or otherwise  becomes or
is contingently liable upon, the obligation or liability of any other Person, or
agrees to maintain the net worth or working capital or other financial condition
of any other  Person,  or  otherwise  assures any  creditor of such other Person
against loss,  including,  without  limitation,  any comfort  letter,  operating
agreement,  take-or-pay  contract and  reimbursement  agreements  with financial
institutions  (including  Lenders)  relating to letters of credit issued by such
financial institutions for the account of Borrower.
                                       8
<PAGE>
         "Controlled   Group"  means  all  members  of  a  controlled  group  of
corporations and all trades or businesses  (whether or not  incorporated)  under
common control which, together with the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, are
treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

         "Corporate  Base Rate"  means the rate of interest  publicly  announced
from time to time by Agent as its "base rate" or, if Agent  ceases to  announce,
or  does  not  announce,  a rate  so  designated,  any  similar  successor  rate
designated  by the  Agent.  Each  change in the  Corporate  Base  Rate  shall be
effective, without notice to Borrower, on the effective date of each such change
by Agent. Borrower acknowledges that Agent may, from time to time, extend credit
to other Persons at rates of interest varying from and having no relationship to
the  Corporate  Base Rate. A certificate  signed by any Vice  President of Agent
shall be conclusive evidence of the Corporate Base Rate at any given time.

         "Default  Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the  Floating  Interest
Rate plus 500 basis points,  but in no event greater than the maximum contracted
rate of interest  available  under  applicable  law. In the case of a Eurodollar
Advance the maturity of which is accelerated, such Eurodollar Advance shall bear
interest at the Eurodollar  Rate plus 500 basis points until the next Eurodollar
Advance  Date,  and  thereafter  at the  Floating  Interest  Rate plus 500 basis
points,  but in no event  greater than the maximum  contracted  rate of interest
available under applicable law.

         "Discount Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the yield to maturity
of Treasury Obligations determined on the date of prepayment.

         "Dollars" and the sign "$" each means lawful money of the United States
of America.

         "Drop-Down  Subsidiaries" means Monterey Homes Construction I, Inc., an
Arizona corporation to be formed, and Monterey Homes Arizona I, Inc., an Arizona
corporation to be formed.

         "EBITDA" means, for any period, an amount equal to (a) Consolidated Net
Income for such period, plus (b) gross accrued interest expense of the Obligated
Group on a  consolidated  basis (other than  capitalized  interest)  during such
period, plus (c) accruals for federal, state and local income taxes attributable
to such Consolidated Net Income, plus (d) depreciation and amortization  expense
of the Obligated Group on a consolidated basis during such period.

         "Effective Date" means December 20, 1996.

         "Environmental  Indemnity  Agreement" means that certain  Environmental
Certification  and  Unsecured  Environmental  Indemnity  Agreement  of even date
herewith from Borrower and Individual Guarantors in favor of Agent, as it may be
amended, modified, supplemented, restated
                                       9
<PAGE>
or replaced from time to time,  and any other  Environmental  Certification  and
Unsecured   Environmental   Indemnity  Agreement  required  to  be  provided  in
accordance with this Agreement.

         "Environmental  Laws"  means  any  federal,  state  or  local  statute,
ordinance,  or  regulation  pertaining  to health,  industrial  hygiene,  or the
environment,  including,  without  limitation,  the Comprehensive  Environmental
Response,  Compensation,  and Liability act of 1980,  as amended,  42 U.S.C.  ss
9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42
U.S.C. ss 6901, et seq.  ("RCRA");  and the Arizona  Environmental  Quality Act,
A.R.S.  ss 49-201,  et seq.,  the Arizona  Hazardous  Waste  Management  Act, as
amended,  A.R.S.  ss  49-921,  et seq.,  and all rules  adopted  and  guidelines
promulgated pursuant to the foregoing.

         "ERISA" means the Employee  Retirement  Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

         "Eurodollar  Advance"  means  an  Advance  which  bears  interest  at a
Eurodollar Rate.

         "Eurodollar  Advance  Date" means the fifteenth day of any month or, if
the  fifteenth  day of any  month is not a  Business  Day,  the next  succeeding
Business Day.

         "Eurodollar Base Rate" means the three month London  interbank  offered
rate for U.S.  dollar  deposits  (expressed  as an annual rate) as of 11:00 a.m.
(London  time)  two (2)  Business  Days  prior to the  Eurodollar  Advance  Date
(rounded  up to the nearest  1/16 of 1%, as quoted on  Telerate  page 3750 or on
such  replacement  system  as is then  customarily  used  to  quote  the  London
interbank  offered rate.  If, on the date of  determination,  there is no quoted
London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollar deposits, the Eurodollar Base Rate
shall  be  determined  as of the  first  calendar  day  thereafter  that  London
interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits are quoted. If two or more such
rates appear on Telerate  page 3750 or associated  pages,  the rate shall be the
arithmetic mean of such offered rates (rounded up to the nearest 1/16 of 1%).

         "Eurodollar  Interest  Period"  means,  with  respect  to a  Eurodollar
Advance,  a period of three months,  commencing on any  Eurodollar  Advance Date
selected  by the  Borrower  pursuant  to  this  Agreement  and  ending  on  (but
excluding) the Eurodollar Advance Date of the month three months thereafter, but
in no event ending after the Maturity Date of the applicable Loan.

         "Eurodollar Loan"  means  a  Loan  which bears interest at a Eurodollar
Rate.

         "Eurodollar Rate" means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance,  the sum
of (i) the quotient of (a) the Eurodollar Base Rate divided by (b) one minus the
Reserve Requirement (expressed as a decimal), plus (ii) the Applicable Margin.

         "Event" means an event, circumstance, condition or state of facts.

         "Event of Default" is defined in Section 14.1 hereof.
                                       10
<PAGE>
         "Federal Funds  Effective  Rate" means for any day an interest rate per
annum equal to the  weighted  average of the rates on  overnight  Federal  funds
transactions  with  members of the Federal  Reserve  System  arranged by Federal
funds  brokers on such day, as published  for such day (or, if such day is not a
Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York,  or, if such rate is not so  published  for any day which is a
Business Day, the average of the quotations at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Phoenix
time) on such day on such transactions  received by the Agent from three Federal
funds  brokers  of  recognized  standing  selected  by the  Agent  in  its  sole
discretion.

         "First  Mortgage" means a Mortgage in favor of Agent that (i) creates a
lien  that  covers  any  Real  Estate  and  all   developments   thereto  and/or
improvements  thereon,  whether  existing  at the time the  lien is  created  or
thereafter  made,  (ii) takes  priority or  precedence  over all other liens and
encumbrances to which the Real Estate is subject,  except Permitted  Exceptions,
and (iii) must be satisfied before all other liens and encumbrances to which the
Real Estate is subject are entitled to  participate  in the proceeds of any sale
or other disposition of such Real Estate, except Permitted Exceptions.

         "Floating  Interest  Rate" means,  with respect to a Floating  Interest
Rate Advance,  a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the Corporate Base Rate,
plus (ii) the Applicable Margin.

         "Floating  Interest Rate Advance" means an Advance which bears interest
at the Floating Interest Rate.

         "Floating  Interest Rate Loan" means a Loan which bears interest at the
Floating Interest Rate.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from
time to time in the United  States,  applied in a manner  consistent  with those
used in preparing the financial statements referred to in Section 11.3.

         "Governmental  Authority"  means any body  politic,  including  without
limitation  the United  States of America,  the State of Arizona,  and any other
state,  county,  parish,  city, town, township or municipality,  and any subpart
thereof or any Person(s)  deriving  their  authority from any such body politic,
including,  without  limitation,  any  department,  agency,  commission,  board,
division, bureau or office, or any subpart thereof, of any body politic.

         "Guarantor"  or  "Guarantors"  means,  prior to the Merger,  Individual
Guarantors,  and after the Merger,  Public  Company and all of its  Subsidiaries
that are not Borrower.

         "Guaranty"  or  "Guaranties"  means,   individually  and  collectively,
subject to the terms and conditions of this  Agreement,  from the Effective Date
to the consummation of the Merger, the joint and several  continuing  guaranties
of the  Obligations  by  Individual  Guarantors,  and  subject  
                                       11
<PAGE>
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,  after the Merger,  the joint and
several continuing  guaranties of Public Company and all of its Subsidiaries and
Affiliate entities that are not the Borrower.

         "Guidance Line Commitment" means $20,000,000.

         "Guidance Line" is defined in Section 7.1.

         "Guidance Loan" is defined in Section 7.1(b).

         "Guidance Line Maturity Date" is defined in Section 7.1(c).

         "Guidance  Note" means,  individually  and  collectively,  the multiple
advance  promissory notes from Borrower to Lenders in the maximum amount of each
Lender's Pro Rata Share of a Guidance Loan available for acquisition and on-site
and off-site  infrastructure  development of Real Estate for a Project,  and any
amendments,  modifications  or  supplements  thereto and any note or notes taken
wholly  or  partially  in  renewal  or  extension  thereof  or  substitution  or
replacement therefor.

         "Hazardous Substances" means any toxic or hazardous wastes,  pollutants
or substances, including, without limitation, asbestos, PCBs, petroleum products
and  by-products,  substances  defined or listed as  "hazardous  substances"  or
"toxic  substances" or similarly  identified in or pursuant to the Comprehensive
Environmental  Response,  Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42
U.S.C.  ss 9061 et seq.,  hazardous  materials  identified in or pursuant to the
Hazardous  Materials  Transportation  Act 49 U.S.C.  ss 1802 et seq.,  hazardous
wastes identified in or pursuant to The Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act,
42 U.S.C. ss 6901 et seq., any chemical substance or mixture regulated under the
Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, as amended,  15 U.S.C. ss 2601 et seq., any
"toxic  pollutant"  under the Clean  Water  Act,  33 U.S.C.  ss 466 et seq.,  as
amended,  any hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. ss 7401
et seq., and any hazardous or toxic  substance or pollutant  regulated under any
other applicable federal, state or local Environmental Laws.

         "Improvements" means any equipment, structures,  improvements, fixtures
and buildings attached or affixed, or intended to be attached or affixed, to the
Real Estate.

         "Indebtedness"  of a Person  means such  Person's (i)  obligations  for
borrowed money,  (ii) obligations  representing  the deferred  purchase price of
property or services (other than accounts payable arising in the ordinary course
of such  Person's  business  payable on terms  customary  in the  trade),  (iii)
obligations,  whether or not  assumed,  secured  by Liens or payable  out of the
proceeds or production  from property now or hereafter owned or acquired by such
Person,  (iv) obligations  which are evidenced by notes,  acceptances,  or other
instruments,   (v)  Capitalized  Lease  Obligations  and  (vi)  liabilities  and
obligations under any  sale/leaseback  and receivable 
                                       12
<PAGE>
sales transactions. With respect to the Borrower, Indebtedness includes, without
limitation, all Obligations.

         "Individual  Guarantors"  means  William  W.  Cleverly,  a married  man
dealing  with his sole and  separate  property,  and Steven J.  Hilton and Benee
Hilton, husband and wife.

         "Investment"  of a Person means any loan,  advance  extension of credit
(other than accounts  receivable  arising in the ordinary  course of business on
terms  customary in the trade),  deposit  account or  contribution of capital by
such  Person to any other  Person or any  investment  in, or  purchase  or other
acquisition of, the stock,  partnership  interests,  notes,  debentures or other
securities of any other Person made by such Person.

         "Lender" or "Lenders" mean,  individually or in the aggregate,  Norwest
Bank  Arizona,  National  Association,  and Bank  One,  Arizona,  NA,  and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.

         "Letter  of Credit"  means a letter of credit  issued by Norwest at the
request of Borrower  for the benefit of a  Governmental  Authority,  in form and
content   satisfactory  to  Norwest,   for  the  purposes  of  providing  credit
enhancement to assure installation of infrastructure improvements intended to be
funded with proceeds from a Guidance Loan.

         "Liabilities"  of a Person  means all items  included in the  liability
section of a balance  sheet of that  Person  prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP
applied as of the date of  calculation.  Without  limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the term "Liabilities" shall include: (i) all Indebtedness secured by
any Mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest,  charge or encumbrance upon or in
property  owned by that  Person,  to the extent  attributable  to that  Person's
interest  in the  property,  even  though  that Person has not assumed or become
liable for the payment of the  Indebtedness:  (ii)  contractual  obligations for
payment of marketing,  advertising and promotion and deferred lot premiums,  and
(iii) the  aggregate  amount of the  reserves  established  on the books of that
Person in respect of  contingent  Liabilities  and other  contingencies  (except
reserves which are properly  treated as deductions from assets) and in any event
shall include with respect to the Borrower the amount of all outstanding Loans.

         "Lien"  means  any lien  (statutory  or  other),  mortgage  (including,
without   limitation,   purchase  money   mortgages),   pledge,   hypothecation,
assignment,  deposit arrangement,  encumbrance or preference,  priority or other
security agreement or preferential  arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including,  without  limitation,  the  interest of a vendor or lessor under any
conditional  sale,  Capitalized  Lease or other title  retention  agreement  and
contractual obligations for payment of marketing,  advertising and promotion and
deferred lot premiums), but specifically excluding ad valorem real estate taxes,
assessments,  community  facilities  district and other similar improvement lien
assessments not yet delinquent.
                                       13
<PAGE>
         "Loan"  or  "Loans"  means,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  the
Construction Line, any Guidance Loan and the Term Loan.

         "Loan  Documents" means this Agreement,  the Notes, any Mortgages,  the
Guaranties,   the  Securities  Pledge  Agreement,  the  Environmental  Indemnity
Agreement  and any and all  other  instruments  or  documents  now or  hereafter
delivered by the Borrower, the Guarantors,  the Drop-Down Subsidiaries,  the New
Business  Subsidiaries,  Public  Company or any of their  Subsidiaries  pursuant
hereto, as such documents may be amended,  modified,  supplemented,  restated or
replaced from time to time.

         "Lot" means a subdivided parcel of Real Estate owned by Borrower in any
Subdivision,  held  for  development  by  Borrower  and  encumbered  by a  First
Mortgage.

         "Lot Release  Price" means the  agreed-upon  release price for each Lot
under each Guidance Loan.  The Lot Release Price for existing  Projects is shown
on each Guidance Loan Addendum and incorporated herein by this reference.

         "Lot Option Price" means  ninety-five  percent (95%) of the  contracted
for Lot release price provided in the applicable Option Contract,  excluding any
lot premium.  The Lot Option Price for existing  Projects is attached  hereto as
Exhibit "C" and incorporated herein by this reference.

         "Material  Adverse  Effect" means a material  adverse effect on (i) the
business,  properties,  assets,  condition (financial or otherwise),  results of
operations,  or prospects of (a) the Obligated Group, (b) the Borrower, taken as
a whole,  or (c) any entity  comprising  the  Borrower,  (ii) the ability of the
Borrower  to perform  its  obligations  under the Loan  Documents,  or (iii) the
validity  or  enforceability  of any of the  Loan  Documents  or the  rights  or
remedies of the Agent or the Lenders thereunder.

         "Maturity  Date" means,  with respect to each Note, the date upon which
the outstanding  principal  amount of such Note, all accrued but unpaid interest
thereof,  and all other Obligations become due and payable,  whether as a result
of the occurrence of the stated  maturity date or the  acceleration  of maturity
pursuant to the terms of any of the Loan Documents.

         "Merger"  means the merger of Borrowers  with and into Public  Company,
which will be the  surviving  corporation  of the  merger,  which is intended to
occur on or about December 31, 1996.

         "Model Home" means a Residential Unit, completed or under construction,
designated by Borrower as a model home.

         "Monthly Payment Date" means the tenth day of each calendar month.
                                       14
<PAGE>
         "Mortgage" means any mortgage,  deed of trust or other security deed in
Real Estate, or in rights or interests,  including leasehold interests,  in Real
Estate.

         "Multiemployer  Plan" means a Plan maintained  pursuant to a collective
bargaining  agreement  or any other  arrangement  to which the  Borrower  or any
member of the  Controlled  Group is a party to which more than one  employer  is
obligated to make contributions.

         "Net Book Value"  means,  with respect to an asset owned by a Borrower,
the gross investment of that Borrower in the asset, less all reserves (including
loss reserves and reserves for  depreciation)  attributable  to that asset,  all
determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "Net Income" means, for any period,  after-tax  consolidated net income
from continuing operations, less any extraordinary income,  non-operating income
(except  interest  income and income from  collateral  mortgage  obligations) or
non-cash  income  recorded by such Person as determined in accordance  with GAAP
and less any income from mortgage Subsidiaries or title company, escrow agent or
title underwriter Subsidiaries.

         "Net  Proceeds"  means,  in  connection  with  the  sale  of any Lot or
Residential  Unit by the Borrower,  the gross sales price less (a) all bona fide
prorations  and  adjustments  to the sales price required to be made pursuant to
the  terms of the  Purchase  Contract,  (b) the  aggregate  amount  of bona fide
closing  costs due to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the  Borrower,  and
(c) commissions actually paid to Borrower's sales  representatives in connection
with the sale of any  Residential  Unit not to exceed three  percent (3%) of the
gross sales price of such Residential Unit.

         "New Business  Subsidiaries"  means Monterey  Homes  Arizona,  Inc., an
Arizona  corporation  to be formed,  and Monterey Homes  Construction,  Inc., an
Arizona corporation to be formed.

         "Norwest"  means Norwest Bank Arizona,  National  Association,  and its
successors and permitted assigns, in its capacity as Lender.

         "Note" or "Notes" means, individually and collectively,  the promissory
notes  evidencing the  Construction  Line, the Guidance Loans and the Term Loan,
completed,  executed and delivered by the Borrower and payable to the order of a
Lender in the amount of its Commitment,  including any amendment,  modification,
renewal or replacement of any such promissory note.

         "Obligations"  means all unpaid  principal  of, and  accrued and unpaid
interest on, the Notes,  disbursements  in respect of any Letter of Credit,  all
accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements,  indemnities and other
obligations  of the  Borrower to the Lenders or to any Lender,  the Agent or any
indemnified party arising under the Loan Documents.
                                       15
<PAGE>
         "Obligated Group" means the Borrower, the Drop-Down Subsidiaries,  when
formed,  the New Business  Subsidiaries,  when formed and, after the Merger, the
Public Company.

         "Option  Contract"  means any executory  purchase and sale agreement or
option agreement  providing for the sale of Lots in a Subdivision by a bona fide
third party Person to Borrower.

         "Other  Amounts" means all amounts payable by Borrower to Lenders under
this Agreement and any other Loan Document.

         "Owner's   Equity"  means  such  Person's   total  assets  minus  total
Liabilities, each as determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor
thereto.

         "Permitted  Exceptions"  means current  taxes,  assessments,  community
facilities  district and other  improvement  lien  assessments;  statutory liens
securing  obligations  not yet  due,  contractual  obligations  for  payment  of
marketing,  advertising  and  promotion  costs  not  yet  due,  and  contractual
obligations  for  deferred  lot  premiums  approved  by Lenders and not yet due;
easements, covenants, conditions and restrictions and other matters disclosed by
any Title Policy obtained by Agent; and any matters customarily  associated with
residential real estate developments which do not secure the payment of money or
do not  otherwise  have any  Material  Adverse  Effect on the value,  operation,
marketability on sale of the property in question.

         "Person"  means any  natural  person,  corporation,  firm,  enterprise,
trust,  association,  company, limited liability company,  partnership,  limited
liability  partnership,  joint venture or other entity or  organization,  or any
government   or   political   subdivision   or  any   agency,   department,   or
instrumentality thereof.

         "Plan" means an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title
IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the
Code as to which the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group may have any
liability.

         "Presold" means a Residential Unit subject to a Purchase Contract as of
the date of determination.

         "Project"  means a product line of Residential  Units of  substantially
the same type  design  and price  range  that have been  constructed,  are under
construction, or are to be constructed, within a Subdivision.

         "Pro Rata Share" means,  for each Lender,  the ratio that such Lender's
Commitment bears to the Aggregate Commitment.
                                       16
<PAGE>
         "Public  Company" means Homeplex  Mortgage  Investment  Corporation,  a
Maryland  corporation,  which, as part of the Merger,  will change its corporate
name to Monterey Homes Corporation.

         "Purchase Contract" means a bona fide enforceable purchase contract for
a Residential  Unit  executed by Borrower and a bona fide third party  purchaser
who is not an Affiliate of Borrower  with no  contingencies  (except a financing
contingency  provided the purchaser  has  delivered a preliminary  loan approval
letter to Borrower,  which is acceptable to Agent) and with a nonrefundable cash
deposit  from the  purchaser of not less than two percent (2%) of the sale price
of the Residential Unit, which Purchase  Contract  continues to be effective and
which Borrower reasonably and in good faith believes will close.

         "Real Estate" means any interest in real property,  including,  without
limitation,   leasehold  interests,  together  with  all  Improvements,  now  or
hereafter located thereon, all privileges and other rights now or hereafter made
appurtenant thereto, and all easements and rights of way, public or private, now
or hereafter used in connection therewith, all tenements, hereditaments, rights,
benefits,  privileges,  water,  water rights,  shares of stock  evidencing water
rights,  oil, gas, minerals and  appurtenances now or hereafter  belonging or in
any manner  appurtenant  thereto,  and all the  reversions,  remainders,  rents,
issues and profits thereof.

         "Recent Balance Sheet" is defined in Section 11.5.

         "Regulation  D" means  Regulation  D of the Board of  Governors  of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor  thereto
or other  regulation  or  official  interpretation  of said  Board of  Governors
relating  to reserve  requirements  applicable  to member  banks of the  Federal
Reserve System.

         "Regulation  U" means  Regulation  U of the Board of  Governors  of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor or other
regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the
extension of credit by banks for the purpose of  purchasing  or carrying  margin
stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

         "Reportable  Event" means a reportable event as defined in Section 4043
of ERISA and the regulations issued under such section,  with respect to a Plan,
excluding,  however,  such events as to which the PBGC by regulation  waived the
requirement  of Section  4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified  within 30 days of
the  occurrence  of such event,  provided.  however,  that a failure to meet the
minimum funding  standard of Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA
shall be a Reportable Event regardless of the issuance of any such waiver of the
notice requirement in accordance with either Section 4043(a) of ERISA or Section
412(d) of the Code.
                                       17
<PAGE>
         "Reserve Requirement" means the reserve requirement for member banks of
the Federal Reserve System pursuant to Regulation D.

         "Residential Unit" means a Lot with a residential  housing unit located
thereon,  or intended to be located  thereon,  that is (or,  upon  completion of
construction thereof, will be) available for sale.

         "Risk-Based Capital Guidelines" means the risk-based capital guidelines
in  effect  in the  United  States  on the  date  of this  Agreement,  including
transition  rules, and any amendments to such  regulations  adopted prior to the
date of this Agreement.

         "Section" means a numbered  section of this  Agreement,  unless another
document is specifically referenced.

         "Securities" of any Person means equity  securities and debt securities
and any other  instrument  commonly  understood to be a security  issued by that
Person.

         "Securities Pledge Agreement" means, prior to the Merger, those certain
Securities  Account  Pledge and Security  Agreements  of even date herewith from
Individual  Guarantors in favor of Agent,  together with the  Acknowledgment  of
Control of Pledged Securities from Norwest Bank Arizona,  National  Association,
as Account Holder, and after the Merger,  that certain Securities Account Pledge
and Security  Agreement dated as of the effective date of the Merger from Public
Company  in favor of Agent,  together  with the  Acknowledgment  of  Control  of
Pledged Securities from PaineWebber Incorporated, as Account Holder.

         "Single  Employer Plan" means a Plan  maintained by the Borrower or any
member of the  Controlled  Group for  employees of the Borrower or any member of
the Controlled Group.

         "Spec"  means  either  (i) a  Residential  Unit under  construction  or
completed  (other than a Model Home) that is not subject to a Purchase  Contract
thereon or (ii) a Residential Unit that is subject to a Purchase  Contract under
which  there  exists  any  contingency   which  has  not  been  removed  to  the
satisfaction of Agent.

         "Subdivision" or  "Subdivisions"  means,  individually or collectively,
Rancho Vistoso (55' and 70'),  Lincoln Place,  Palos Verde,  Scottsdale  Country
Club, Portales,  Tierra Bella, including Chama Lots 34 and 35 (Construction Line
only), Eagle Mountain,  Sunridge Canyon,  Grayhawk,  Canada Vista, Castle Rock A
(Construction  Line  only),  Castle  Rock F and  Castle  Rock G,  and any  other
subdivision approved by Lenders as provided herein.

         "Subordinated  Debt" of a Person means any  Indebtedness of that Person
which  by its  terms is  subordinated,  in form  and  substance  and in a manner
satisfactory to Agent, in lien and right of payment to the prior payment in full
of the Obligations.
                                       18
<PAGE>
         "Subsidiary"  of a Person means (i) any  corporation of which more than
50% of the outstanding Securities having ordinary voting power shall at the time
be owned or controlled,  directly or indirectly,  by such Person, by one or more
of  such  Person's  Subsidiaries,  or by  such  Person  and  one or  more of its
Subsidiaries, or (ii) any partnership,  association,  limited liability company,
joint  venture or similar  business  organization  of which more than 50% of the
ownership  interests  having ordinary voting power shall at the time be owned or
controlled,  directly  or  indirectly,  by such  Person,  by one or more of such
Person's Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

         "Tangible  Assets"  means,  as  of  any  date  of  determination,   the
consolidated assets of the Obligated Group as shown on its consolidated  balance
sheet,  minus all assets classified as intangible assets under GAAP,  including,
without  limitation,   goodwill,   trademarks,   trade  names,   service  marks,
copyrights,  patents,  licenses,  permits,  covenants not to compete, and rights
related   thereto,   minus  any  stock  or  other  securities  or  evidences  of
indebtedness of any other Person,  any loans or advances to any other Person, or
any   investment  or  interest   whatsoever  in  any  other  Person,   including
specifically, but without limitation, any partnership or joint venture.

         "Term Loan Maturity Date" is defined in Section 6.1(c).

         "Term Note" is defined in Section 6.1(c).

         "Termination Date" means December 19, 1998.

         "Title Policy" means an ALTA Lender's  Title Policy  (1992),  with Form
3R, 5, 6, 7 (deleting creditors' rights exception), 8.1, patent and water rights
endorsements or equivalent,  and such other endorsements as Agent shall require,
in an amount and by a title insurance  company  satisfactory to Lenders insuring
the  applicable  First  Mortgage  in Agent's  favor to be a valid first lien and
encumbrance on the Real Estate, Lots and/or Residential Units described therein,
subject only to the Permitted Exceptions.

         "Total Draws" means,  with respect to the Construction  Line, the total
amount of Advances  made with  respect to a particular  Residential  Unit in the
Collateral Base, including, without limitation,  interest payments made directly
by  Agent  from  the  interest  reserve  established  in  connection  with  each
Residential Unit in the Collateral Base.

         "Type"  means,  with respect to any  Advance,  its nature as a Floating
Interest Rate Advance or Eurodollar Advance.

         "Unaudited Financial Statements" is defined in Section 11.3(b).

         "Unfunded  Liabilities"  means the amount (if any) by which the present
value of all vested  nonforfeitable  benefits  under all Single  Employer  Plans
exceeds  the fair  market  value  of all  such  
                                       19
<PAGE>
Plan assets  allocable  to such  benefits,  all  determined  as of the then most
recent valuation date for such Plans.

         "Unmatured  Default"  means an Event  that  with the  giving  of notice
and/or passage of time, if not cured, would constitute an Event of Default.

         1.2.  Computation of Time Periods.  For the purposes of this Agreement,
in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified
date,  the word "from"  means "from and  including",  the words "to" and "until"
each mean "to but excluding" and the word "through" means "to and including".

         1.3.  Accounting  Terms. All accounting terms used and not specifically
defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.


2. EXISTING LOANS

         2.1. Outstanding Loans; Payment Upon Effective Date.

                  (a) Borrower acknowledges with respect to the amounts owing to
Lenders by Borrower or by  Subsidiaries  under any prior credit  agreements that
Borrower or Subsidiaries  have no offset,  defense or counterclaim  with respect
thereto,  no claim or defense in abatement or reduction  thereof,  nor any other
claim  against  Lenders or with  respect  to any  document  forming  part of the
transaction  in respect of which prior  credit  agreements  were made or forming
part of any other transaction under which Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries is
indebted to Lenders.  Borrower  acknowledges that all interest imposed under any
such prior credit agreements  through the Effective Date, and all fees and other
charges that have been collected  from or imposed upon Borrower or  Subsidiaries
with respect to the loans  evidenced by prior credit  agreements  (including the
effective rate of interest which said fees and charges may represent),  were and
are agreed to, and were properly  computed and collected,  and that Lenders have
fully performed all  obligations  that they may have had or now have to Borrower
and  Subsidiaries.  As of the date of this Agreement and prior to the funding of
any Advances hereunder,  the outstanding  principal balance,  accrued and unpaid
interest  and  other  charges  due under all  prior  credit  agreements  between
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Norwest is  $11,614,135.61.  As of the date of
this  Agreement  and  prior  to the  funding  of  any  Advances  hereunder,  the
outstanding principal balance, accrued and unpaid interest and other charges due
under all prior credit agreements between Borrower and its Subsidiaries and BOAZ
is $6,006,713.89 (collectively, the "Existing Loans").

                  (b) On the Effective Date, the Lenders shall severally make an
Advance  to the  Borrower  in the  aggregate  amount  of  the  then  outstanding
principal  amount of the Existing  Loans (but, as to each Lender,  not exceeding
the amount of its Aggregate Commitment),  the proceeds of which shall be applied
by the Borrower to repay the Existing Loans in full.
                                       20
<PAGE>
                  (c) The Loans are being made to refinance  the Existing  Loans
and other existing  indebtedness of Borrower. It is the intention of the parties
that Lenders  will be  subrogated  to, and succeed to, the lien  priority of all
prior lenders.


3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

         3.1. Conditions of Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective
when the Lenders shall have received  counterparts of this Agreement executed by
the Borrower and each of the Lenders; provided,  however, that the Lenders shall
not be  required  to make the initial  Advance  hereunder,  unless and until the
Agent shall have received each of the documents  specified in subsections  (a) -
(p) below (with all documents required below, except as otherwise specified,  to
be dated the date of receipt thereof by the Agent,  which date shall be the same
for all such documents),  and each of such documents to be in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent,  and the conditions  specified in subsections (q) and
(r) below shall have been satisfied:

                  (a) Payoff statements from all of Borrower's  existing lenders
which set forth all amounts owed by the Borrower to the  existing  lenders.  


                  (b) The Notes evidencing the Loans to be made hereunder.

                  (c) The Mortgages encumbering all of the Real Estate, Lots and
Residential Units for the benefit of Agent.

                  (d) Solvency Certificates from each Borrower.

                  (e) The Guaranties.

                  (f) The Securities Pledge Agreement.

                  (g) The Environmental Indemnity Agreement.

                  (h) The Title Policy(ies) (or an irrevocable commitment by the
title insurance  underwriter to issue such Title Policy) in the aggregate amount
of $29,757,045.00.

                  (i) The favorable written opinion by counsel for the Borrower,
dated the  Effective  Date,  addressed to the Lenders and in form and  substance
satisfactory to the Agent.  The Borrower hereby instructs its counsel to prepare
its opinion and deliver it to Lenders for their benefit,  and such opinion shall
contain a statement to such effect.

                  (j) The following  supporting  documents  with respect to each
Borrower:  (i) a copy of its  certificate  of  incorporation,  certified as of a
current  date to be a true and  accurate  copy by the  appropriate  Governmental
Authority of its state of  incorporation;  (ii) a certificate of the appropriate
Governmental  Authority,  dated as of a date  reasonably  close to the Effective
Date,  as 
                                       21
<PAGE>
to its  existence and good  standing;  (iii) a  certificate  of the  appropriate
Governmental   Authority  of  each   jurisdiction,   other  than  its  state  of
incorporation,  in which it does business,  as to its qualification as a foreign
corporation; (iv) a copy of its by-laws, certified by its Secretary or Assistant
Secretary  to be a true  and  accurate  copy of its  by-laws  in  effect  on the
Effective Date; (v) a certificate of its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, dated
the Effective Date, as to the incumbency and signatures of its officers who have
executed any documents in connection with the transactions  contemplated by this
Agreement;  (vi) a copy of resolutions  of its Board of Directors,  certified by
its  Secretary  or  Assistant  Secretary  to be a  true  and  accurate  copy  of
resolutions  duly adopted by the Board of  Directors  that are in full force and
effect on the Effective  Date,  authorizing  the execution and delivery by it of
this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents and the performance by it
of  all  its  obligations  thereunder;  and  (vii)  such  additional  supporting
documents and other  information  with respect to its  operations and affairs as
the Agent may reasonably request.

                  (k) A certificate  signed by a duly authorized officer of each
Borrower certifying: (i) that the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in Article 11 hereof are correct and accurate on and as of the date of
that  certificate as though made on and as of that date,  (ii) that no Event has
occurred and is continuing  which  constitutes  an Event of Default or Unmatured
Default hereunder,  (iii) copies of each Option Contract and security instrument
given by  Borrower to the  optionor  under any such  Option  Contract,  as true,
correct  and  complete  copies of the  original  documents;  and (iv) such other
matters as Lenders shall request.

                  (l) The projected average quarterly  absorption of all Lots to
be  refinanced  with  each  Guidance  Loan  under  the  Guidance  Line as of the
Effective Date, in form and substance satisfactory to Lenders.

                  (m) The Collateral Base  Certificate to be effective as of the
Effective Date, as required pursuant to Section 5.2(d).

                  (n)  Current  Uniform  Commercial  Code lien,  litigation  and
judgment searches from the applicable Governmental Authority or a search company
or on-line service satisfactory to Agent, in each jurisdiction where Borrower is
transacting business and in its state of incorporation,  satisfactory to Lenders
in their sole and absolute discretion.

                  (o) Written disbursement instructions, signed by an Authorized
Officer,  together with such other related money transfer  authorizations as the
Agent may reasonably request.

                  (p) Such  other  documents  as any Lender or its  counsel  may
reasonably request.
                                       22
<PAGE>
                  (q)  There  shall  not  have   occurred  any  changes  in  the
consolidated  financial  condition or results of operations of the Borrower from
that reflected in the financial statements dated September 30, 1996, which have,
or  reasonably  could be expected to have,  in the  judgment of the  Lenders,  a
Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower's operations, taken as a whole.

                  (r)  The   Existing   Loans  and  all  of  the  other   credit
arrangements relating to the Collateral shall have been simultaneously repaid in
full  from  the  proceeds  of the  initial  Advance  hereunder  and  any  credit
agreements  in  connection   with  the  Existing  Loans  and  all  other  credit
arrangements relating to the Collateral shall have been terminated.

         3.2. Conditions Precedent to All Borrowings After the Merger.

                  (a) The  Lenders  shall not be required to make any Loan on or
after the  effective  date of the  Merger  unless on or prior to the  applicable
Borrowing Date:

                           (i)   Lenders   shall  have   received   an  executed
Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement  from  Borrower,  as  assignor,  and  the
Drop-Down  Subsidiaries,  as assignee,  in form and  substance  satisfactory  to
Lenders,  together  with such  corporate  resolutions,  officers'  certificates,
attorneys' opinions,  solvency certificates,  and other documentation as Lenders
shall require.

                           (ii) Lenders shall have  received (A) the  Securities
Pledge  Agreement  from Public Company and evidence that there are cash and Cash
Equivalents with a market value of no less than the then  outstanding  principal
balance of the Term Loan in the securities  account  referred to therein (or, to
the  extent  of any  shortfall,  Borrower  has  unused  availability  under  the
Construction  Line equal to or greater than such shortfall based upon the latest
Construction Status Report and Collateral Base Certificate and all conditions to
such Construction Line Advances have been satisfied), (B) Guaranties from Public
Company and all of the direct and indirect  Subsidiaries  of Public Company that
are not Borrower,  and (C) the  Environmental  Indemnity  Agreement  from Public
Company and all of the direct and indirect  Subsidiaries of Public Company, that
are not Borrower, and in each case in form and substance satisfactory to Lender,
together  with such  corporate  resolutions,  officers'  certificates,  solvency
certificates,  attorneys'  opinions  and other  documentation  as Lenders  shall
require.

                           (iii) the Agent shall have received a certified  copy
of the Articles of Merger from the  applicable  Governmental  Authorities of the
States of Arizona and Maryland,  and any other  documents or  instruments  filed
with any  Governmental  Authority  with respect to the Merger and any subsequent
amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation of Public Company.

                           (iv)  Lenders  shall  have  a  received  opinions  of
counsel  that the Merger has been duly  approved by the Board of  Directors  and
shareholders of the constituent  
                                       23
<PAGE>
corporations,  the  Articles of Merger have been duly filed with the  applicable
Governmental Authorities and the Merger has become effective.

                           (v)  Lenders  shall have  received  such  opinions of
counsel with respect to the due formation,  corporate  authority,  execution and
delivery and  enforceability  of the Loan  Documents,  and such other matters as
Lenders or their respective  counsel may require,  with respect to the Drop-Down
Subsidiaries, the Public Company and the Subsidiaries.

         3.3. Conditions Precedent to All Borrowings.

                  (a) The Lenders  shall not be required to make any Advance (or
any continuation of an existing  Borrowing) or issue a Letter of Credit,  unless
on the applicable Borrowing Date:

                           (i) all of the matters  described in Section 3.1 have
been satisfied,  and, after the Merger,  all of the matters described in Section
3.2 have been satisfied.

                           (ii)  the  Agent  shall  have   received   notice  of
Borrower's  request for the Advance with respect thereto as provided in Sections
8.2 and 8.13, if applicable, and such other approvals,  opinions or documents as
the Agent may reasonably request;

                           (iii)  the  representations  and  warranties  of  the
Borrower  contained  in  Article  11  hereof  are  true and  correct  as of such
Borrowing Date;  provided,  however,  that for the purposes hereof, (A) from and
after the date of delivery by the Borrower pursuant to Section 12.4 (a) of their
consolidated  financial  statements  for the year ended  December 31, 1996,  the
references in Section 11.3(a) to "Audited Financial  Statements" shall be deemed
to be  references  to the annual  audited  financial  statements  most  recently
delivered  by the  Borrower  pursuant  to Section  12.4(a) as of the date of the
request  for an  Advance;  and (B) from and after that date of  delivery  by the
Borrower  pursuant  to Section  12.4(b) of their  financial  statements  for the
period ended October 31, 1996, the  references in Section  11.3(b) to "Unaudited
Financial  Statements"  shall be  deemed  to be  references  to the  monthly  or
quarterly unaudited financial statements most recently delivered by the Borrower
pursuant  to  Sections  12.4(b)  or (c) as of the  date of that  request  for an
Advance;

                           (iv) All legal matters incident to the making of such
Advance shall be satisfactory to the Lenders and their counsel;

                           (v)  The  Agent   shall   have   prepared  a  current
Construction  Status  Report  and a current  Collateral  Base  Certificate  from
Borrower;

                           (vi) There  exists no Event of  Default or  Unmatured
Default;
                                       24
<PAGE>
                           (vii) The  making of the  Advance  will not cause the
outstanding  principal amount of the Construction  Line to exceed the Collateral
Base or the Construction Line Commitment,  or the making of the Advance will not
cause  the  outstanding  principal  amount  of  the  Guidance  Loans,  plus  any
outstanding Letter of Credit commitments, plus the applicable interest reserves,
to exceed the Guidance Line  Commitment,  as applicable,  nor will the making of
the Advance result in any Event of Default or Unmatured Default;

                           (viii) Each Subsidiary of any member of the Obligated
Group  shall  have  executed  and  delivered  to  Agent a  Guaranty  in form and
substance satisfactory to Lender; and

                           (ix) If the  merger has not  occurred  on or prior to
March 31, 1996,  then, on such date,  Individual  Guarantors shall contribute as
paid-in  capital,  and/or  advance  as  Subordinated  Debt with no  interest  or
principal payments required so long as the Loans are outstanding or Lenders have
any obligation to make Advances or issue Letters of Credit,  an aggregate amount
equal to the greater of (i) $4,000,000 or (ii) the then outstanding indebtedness
under the Term Loan.

                  (b) Each  Borrowing  Notice with  respect to each such Advance
shall constitute a  representation  and warranty by the Borrower that all of the
conditions contained in this Section 3 have been satisfied.


4. THE GENERAL TERMS OF THE LOANS

         4.1.  Loan  Structure.   The  Loans  shall  consist  of  the  following
components,  and  Advances  for each of the  components  shall be limited to the
purposes specified herein unless Lenders shall expressly agree otherwise:

                  (a) The Construction Line described in Article 5.

                  (b) The Term Loan described in Article 6.

                  (c) The Guidance Line described in Article 7.

         4.2.  Maximum  Amount of All Loans.  The  maximum  principal  amount of
outstanding Advances shall not at any time exceed $46,052,500.00.

         4.3.  Ratable Loans.  Each Advance shall be made by the several Lenders
ratably in their respective Pro Rata Shares.

         4.4. Types of Advances, Final Maturity.
                                       25
<PAGE>
                  (a) The Advances  may be Floating  Interest  Rate  Advances or
Eurodollar  Advances,  or a  combination  thereof,  selected by the  Borrower in
accordance with Section 8.2.

                  (b) All Obligations shall be fully repaid and satisfied by the
Borrower  on or before  the  applicable  Maturity  Date or shall  become due and
payable pursuant to Section 14.1 below.

                  (c) The maximum number of Eurodollar Loans  outstanding at any
time shall not exceed five (5).

         4.5.  Guaranties.  On the Effective  Date,  Individual  Guarantors will
deliver to Lenders their joint and several  Guaranties of the Obligations,  and,
upon satisfaction of all conditions  precedent in Section 3.1 hereof,  all prior
guaranties  of  Individual  Guarantors  with respect to the  Existing  Loans are
hereby  terminated.  Provided that no Event of Default or Unmatured  Default has
occurred  and is  continuing,  after the  effectiveness  of the  Merger,  Public
Company and all of its direct and indirect  Subsidiaries  that are not Borrower,
will deliver to Lenders their joint and several  Guaranties  of the  Obligations
and, if the Term Loan remains outstanding,  the Securities Pledge Agreement from
Public Company,  together with evidence that the securities  account  referenced
therein  contains  cash and  Cash  Equivalents  equal  to the  then  outstanding
principal balance of the Term Loan, and the Environmental  Indemnity  Agreement,
and,  subject to the terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement,  Lenders  shall,
immediately upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 of this
Agreement,  cancel  and return  the  Guaranties  of  Individual  Guarantors  and
terminate the Securities  Pledge  Agreements from, and  Environmental  Indemnity
Agreement with respect to, the Individual  Guarantors.  Agent shall execute such
documents and instruments as the Individual  Guarantors shall reasonably request
to evidence the cancellation  and termination of the Guaranties,  the Securities
Pledge Agreement and the Environmental  Indemnity  Agreement with respect to the
Individual  Guarantors.  

         4.6. Collateral. The Guaranty of William W. Cleverly is secured by cash
and/or Cash  Equivalents in an amount equal to one-half (1/2) of the outstanding
principal  balance of the Term Loan,  and the  Guaranty  of Steven J. Hilton and
Benee  Hilton is secured by cash and/or Cash  Equivalents  in an amount equal to
one-half (1/2) of the outstanding  principal balance of the Term Loan. After the
effectiveness  of the Merger,  Public Company will deliver to Agent a Securities
Pledge Agreement,  and an Acknowledgment of Pledged  Securities from PaineWebber
Incorporated,  as Account Holder,  with respect to Public  Company's  securities
account holding an amount equal to no less than the then  outstanding  principal
balance of the Term Loan, in cash and/or Cash Equivalents,  and provided that no
Event of Default or Unmatured  Default has occurred  and is  continuing,  Lender
shall  release  its lien and  security  interest in the  securities  accounts of
Individual  Guarantors.  Agent shall execute such  documents and  instruments as
Individual  Guarantors shall reasonably request to evidence the cancellation and
termination of the Guaranties and Securities Pledge Agreement.
                                       26
<PAGE>
         4.7. Single  Obligation.  All of the Loans shall constitute one general
obligation secured by Agent's security interest in all the Collateral and by all
other security interests,  liens,  claims and encumbrances,  now, or at any time
hereafter,  granted by Borrower to Agent. All of the rights of Agent and Lenders
set  forth  in  this  Agreement  shall  apply  to any  modification,  amendment,
supplement or restatement of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents


5. MASTER CONSTRUCTION LINE

         5.1. The Construction Line. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement,  Lenders agrees to make available to Borrower a construction  line of
credit (the "Construction Line") as follows:

                  (a) Amount. The maximum principal amount outstanding shall not
exceed the Construction Line Commitment.

                  (b)  Purpose.   The  Construction   Line  Commitment  will  be
available to Borrower on a revolving  basis to finance Lot Release  Prices,  Lot
Option  Prices  and  construction  of  Presolds,  Specs and  Model  Homes in the
Projects.

                  (c) Evidence of the Construction  Line. The Construction  Line
Commitment will be evidenced by revolving credit  promissory notes from Borrower
to  Lenders in the amount of each  Lender's  Pro Rata Share of the  Construction
Line Commitment,  and any amendments,  modifications or supplements  thereto and
any note or notes taken wholly or  partially in renewal or extension  thereof or
substitution or replacement  therefor.  Each Advance under the Construction Line
shall bear  interest in accordance  with this  Agreement and shall be payable in
monthly installments of interest only on each Monthly Payment Date, beginning on
January 10, 1997 ("Starting  Date"),  with the entire unpaid  principal  balance
plus accrued interest due and payable, absent earlier acceleration,  on the June
19, 2000 (the "Construction Line Maturity Date").

                  (d) Advances. From and including the Effective Date, and prior
to the Maturity Date, each Lender severally  agrees, on the terms and conditions
set  forth  in this  Agreement  and in  reliance  upon the  representations  and
warranties of Borrower herein, to make Advances to or on behalf of Borrower,  as
Borrower shall request,  but in no event more frequently than four (4) times per
calendar month,  provided immediately upon the disbursement of each Advance, the
outstanding  principal  balance  of the  Construction  Line does not  exceed the
lesser of the Collateral Base or the Construction  Line  Commitment.  Subject to
the terms and conditions hereof,  Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow under
this Section 5.1(d) so long as the principal balance of the Construction Line at
any time  outstanding  does not exceed the lesser of the Collateral  Base or the
Construction  Line Commitment.  Borrower shall repay the unpaid principal amount
of the Loan,  all accrued  interest  thereon,  and any other amount  outstanding
hereunder on or before the Construction Line Maturity Date.
                                       27
<PAGE>
                  (e) Mandatory Principal  Payments.  Upon the conveyance of any
Residential Unit subject to a Mortgage in favor of Agent and at such time as any
Residential  Unit may no longer be included  in the  Collateral  Base,  Borrower
shall  pay to Agent an amount  equal to the Total  Draws  with  respect  to such
Residential  Unit.  Upon the  occurrence  of an Event of  Default  or  Unmatured
Default  and  during  the  continuance  thereof,  upon  the  conveyance  of  any
Residential Unit subject to a Mortgage in favor of Agent,  Borrower shall pay to
Agent an amount equal to the Net Proceeds of such sale.

                  (f) Optional Principal Payments.  The Construction Line or any
portion  thereof  may be prepaid at any time in any  amount  without  premium or
penalty.  Notice of prepayment and payment shall be made to Agent prior to 10:00
a.m., Phoenix time, on any Business Day.

                  (g) Unused  Commitment  Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay to the
Agent for the  account  of each  Lender an unused  commitment  fee (the  "Unused
Commitment  Fee") of 25 basis points per annum on the weekly (as  determined  on
the last  Business  Day of each week)  weighted  average  unborrowed  and unused
portion of such Lender's  Construction  Line Commitment  (i.e.,  after deducting
from the Construction  Line Commitment of such Lender the outstanding  amount of
all Loans under the  Construction  Line made by such Lender) from the  Effective
Date to and  including the  Construction  Line Maturity Date (to be prorated for
any  partial  calendar  quarter).  The  Unused  Commitment  Fee shall be payable
quarterly in arrears as of the end of March,  June,  September  and December and
the  Construction  Line  Maturity  Date,  and on or before  ten (10) days  after
delivery  of a  written  statement  from  Agent  of the  amount  of  the  Unused
Commitment Fee. Borrower's  obligation to pay the Unused Commitment Fee shall be
secured by the Collateral.

                  (h) Loan Fee. The Borrower  agrees to pay to the Agent for the
account of each Lender a loan fee (the "Construction Line Loan Fee") of 45 basis
points per annum on the weekly (as  determined  on the last Business Day of each
week)  weighted  average  outstanding  Advances from the  Effective  Date to and
including the Termination  Date,  payable  quarterly in arrears as of the end of
March, June, September and December and the Construction Line Maturity Date, and
on or before ten (10) days after  delivery of a written  statement from Agent of
the amount of the Construction Line Loan Fee.  Borrower's  obligation to pay the
Construction Line Loan Fee shall be secured by the Collateral.

         5.2.  Collateral  Base. The Collateral  Base shall equal the sum of the
amounts described in Subsections (a), (b) and (c) below (the "Collateral Base"):

                  (a) For all Presolds  (excluding those  Residential Units that
were previously  included in the Collateral  Base as Specs),  the product of the
following:

                           (i) the lesser of the following:
                                       28
<PAGE>
                                    (A) eighty  percent  (80%) of the  Appraised
Value of the Residential Unit's Base Plan, or

                                    (B) the sum of (i) ninety-five percent (95%)
of the Agreed Cost of such  Residential  Unit's Base Plan Budget plus (ii) sixty
percent (60%) of the agreed value of the Approved Upgrades, multiplied by

                           (ii) such Residential  Unit's Completion  Percentage,
as calculated by Agent as set forth herein, plus

                  (b) For all Residential  Units that are initially  Specs,  and
for all Presolds  that become Specs (after the  expiration  of nine month period
applicable to Presolds), the product of the following:

                           (i) the lesser of the following:

                                    (A)   seventy-five   percent  (75%)  of  the
Appraised Value of the Residential Unit's Base Plan, or

                                    (B) the sum of (i) eighty-five percent (85%)
of the Agreed Cost of such  Residential  Unit's Base Plan Budget plus (ii) sixty
percent (60%) of the agreed value of the Approved Upgrades, multiplied by

                           (ii) such Residential  Unit's Completion  Percentage,
as calculated by Agent as set forth herein, plus

                  (c) For all Model Homes, the product of the following:

                           (i) the lesser of the following:

                                    (A) eighty  percent  (80%) of the  Appraised
Value of the Model Home, including Lot, or

                                    (B) ninety  percent (90%) of the actual cost
of the Model Home, excluding furniture and other furnishings, multiplied by

                           (ii) such  Model  Home's  Completion  Percentage,  as
calculated  by Borrower  and  confirmed  from time to time by Agent as set forth
herein.

                  (d) The Collateral  Base shall be determined  monthly based on
the  Construction  Status  Report  and  shall  be  calculated  by  Agent  on the
Collateral  Base  Certificate.  The Collateral  Base applicable to the reporting
month  shall  not  be  revised  until  receipt  by  Agent  of the  next  monthly
Construction  Status  Report  and  inspections  of  the  Residential  Units.  No
Residential 
                                       29
<PAGE>
Units not then included in the  Collateral  Base shall be eligible for inclusion
in the Collateral Base after the Termination  Date. On the Termination Date, the
Construction  Line shall cease to be a revolving  commitment  and from and after
such date Lenders  shall not be obligated to include any new  Residential  Units
within the Construction  Line and shall not be obligated to make any Advance for
new Residential Units for which an Advance has not already been made;  provided,
however,  Borrower  shall  continue to be entitled to Advances  for  Residential
Units for which an Advance has already been made in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement.

         5.3. Limitations on Residential Units in Collateral Base.

                  (a)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  contained  in
subsections (b) and (c) below, the total of all Residential Units that are Model
Homes or Specs shall not exceed six (6)  Residential  Units in any Project (with
any excess being excluded from the Collateral  Base). If, at any time, a Presold
becomes a Spec and, at the time of the delivery of the next Construction  Status
Report and Collateral Base Certificate,  there are more than six (6) Model Homes
and Specs  combined  in such  Project  (including  the  Presold(s)  that  became
Spec(s)),  Borrower shall  determine  which Specs or Model Homes to exclude from
the  Collateral  Base and  Borrower  shall pay to Agent the  amount of the Total
Draws with  respect to such  Residential  Unit(s).  So long as Borrower  has not
requested  that the Mortgage in favor of Agent with respect to such  Residential
Unit be released and reconveyed, if such Residential Unit subsequently becomes a
Presold or there are less than six (6) Model  Homes and Specs  combined  in such
Project,  Borrower  may  thereafter  include such  Residential  Unit in the next
Construction  Status  Report and  Collateral  Base  Certificate  for purposes of
determining the Collateral Base; provided,  however, for purposes of determining
the  period of time  that such  Residential  Unit may  thereafter  remain in the
Collateral  Base, the period of time that such  Residential  Unit was previously
included in the Collateral Base shall be included.

                  (b)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  contained  in
Section 5.2(a) above, a Presold may only remain in the Collateral  Base for nine
(9) months from the first inclusion of such  Residential  Unit in the Collateral
Base; provided,  however,  Borrower may thereafter continue to include a Presold
in the Collateral Base for an additional three (3) months (and shall denote such
inclusion on the Construction Status Report and the Collateral Base Certificate)
if the Purchase Contract  continues to be effective and Borrower  reasonably and
in good faith believes the sale of the Residential Unit will close in accordance
with the Purchase  Contract.  Any Presold  included in the  Collateral  Base for
twelve (12) months shall  thereafter  be excluded from the  Collateral  Base and
Borrower  shall pay to Agent the amount of the Total Draws with  respect to such
Residential Unit.

                  (c)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  contained  in
Section 5.2(b) above,  but subject to Section 5.3(a) above, a Spec, or a Presold
that  becomes a Spec,  may only  remain in the  Collateral  Base for twelve (12)
months  (including any period of time that such Residential Unit was a Presold);
provided,  however,  Borrower may  thereafter  continue to include 
                                       30
<PAGE>
a Spec in the Collateral  Base for two  consecutive  additional  ninety (90) day
periods  provided that Borrower makes a ten percent (10%) principal  curtailment
payment for each ninety (90) day period,  concurrently  with the delivery of the
first  Collateral Base  Certificate on or after the expiration of the period for
inclusion of such Spec in the Collateral Base and concurrently with the delivery
of the first Collateral Base Certificate on or after the expiration of the first
90-day  extension  period,  as the case may be. Any Residential  Unit that is or
becomes a Spec and has been  included  in the  Collateral  Base for twelve  (12)
months (and one or both of the  extension  periods have lapsed,  if  applicable)
shall  thereafter be excluded from the Collateral Base and Borrower shall pay to
Agent the  amount of the Total  Draws  (less any  curtailment  payments  made by
Borrower) with respect to such Residential Unit. If a Presold becomes a Spec, on
the later of  delivery  of the first  Collateral  Base  Certificate  after  such
Residential Unit has been included in the Collateral Base for nine (9) months or
delivery of the first Collateral Base  Certificate  after such Presold becomes a
Spec, Borrower shall pay to Agent any amount necessary to reduce the Total Draws
with  respect  to such  Residential  Unit to  comply  with the  Collateral  Base
requirements for Specs in Section 5.2(b).

                  (d)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  contained  in
Section 5.2(c) above, but subject to Section 5.3(a) above, a Model Home may only
remain in the Collateral Base for twenty-four  (24) months;  provided,  however,
Borrower may thereafter  continue to include a Model Home in the Collateral Base
for one  additional  twelve (12) month period  provided  that  Borrower  makes a
fifteen  percent  (15%)  principal  curtailment  payment  concurrently  with the
delivery of the first  Collateral Base Certificate on or after the expiration of
the period for inclusion of such  Residential  Unit in the Collateral  Base. Any
Model Home that has been included in the Collateral  Base for  twenty-four  (24)
months (and the extension period has lapsed,  if applicable) shall thereafter be
excluded from the Collateral  Base and Borrower shall pay to Agent the amount of
the Total Draws (less any curtailment payments made by Borrower) with respect to
such Residential Unit.

         5.4.  Monthly  Construction  Status  Report to Agent.  On or before the
fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the end of each calendar month during the term
of this  Agreement,  Borrower shall deliver to Agent a report of new Residential
Units  to  be  added  to  the  Collateral  Base  (with  the  Residential  Unit's
designation as a Presold,  Spec or Model Home),  any Presolds that are no longer
subject to a Purchase Contract and any Residential Units previously  included in
the  Collateral  Base that Borrower  desires to now exclude from the  Collateral
Base,  and based upon the  foregoing  information,  Agent will  prepare a report
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "E" and incorporated herein
by this  reference,  or in a form otherwise  approved by Borrower and Agent (the
"Construction Status Report").  To the extent not previously delivered to Agent,
there shall be delivered to Agent with Borrower's  report referenced above (a) a
copy of each  Purchase  Contract,  including  any addenda or schedules  thereto,
setting forth the purchase price thereof, the date of the Purchase Contract, the
location of the applicable Residential Unit, the signatures of the purchaser and
Borrower and any applicable Lot premium,  options, extra 
                                       31
<PAGE>
items,  upgrades,  etc.; (b) a copy of the preliminary loan approval executed by
the lender or mortgage broker under the Purchase Contract, if applicable; (c) if
requested by Agent, a copy of escrow instructions, if any, relating to each such
Purchase Contract; and (d) if requested by Agent, a copy of the building permits
for each Residential Unit to be added to the Collateral Base. Agent shall verify
that it has  satisfactory  evidence  that a First  Mortgage  in favor of  Agent,
subject only to the  Permitted  Exceptions,  has been recorded as a Lien against
each  Residential  Unit included in the Collateral  Base,  Agent has received an
appraisal for each such Residential  Unit's Base Plan and Agent has received the
Title Policy  commitment with respect to each such Residential Unit, all in form
and substance acceptable to Agent.

         5.5.  Inclusion  in  Collateral  Base.  No  Residential  Unit  shall be
included in the Collateral Base until such time as:

                  (a) The  First  Mortgage  in favor of Agent  encumbering  said
Residential Unit shall have been recorded, and Agent shall have received a Title
Policy or an  irrevocable  commitment  from the title insurer to issue the Title
Policy,  evidencing a first lien and security  interest in the Residential Unit,
subject only to the Permitted Exceptions;

                  (b) An appraisal  setting forth an Appraised  Value to be used
with respect to such Residential Unit's Base Plan has been received and approved
by Lenders;

                  (c)  A   Phase   1   Environmental   Report   and   additional
environmental reports or assessments,  if required by Agent, with respect to the
Project in which the Residential Unit is located have been received and approved
by Lenders.

                  (d) Such  other  documentation  as the  Agent  may  reasonably
request  (including,  without  limitation,  an Assignment  of Leases,  Rents and
Profits,  UCC-1  Financing  Statements,  collateral  assignments  of  agreements
relating  to the  Residential  Unit,  a  survey  or  plat of the  property,  and
insurance  certificates naming the Agent under a mortgagee  endorsement which is
acceptable to Agent).

         5.6. Inspections.  Agent will contract with independent inspectors,  or
use its internal inspecting  engineers (and charge Borrower such amount as Agent
determines to be reasonable compensation for such internal inspecting engineers)
to  conduct  monthly  inspections  of  the  Residential  Units  included  in the
Collateral  Base and  Borrower  shall pay the cost of such  inspections  and any
inspections  undertaken  by or on  behalf  of  Agent  or any  Lender  after  the
occurrence,  and during the continuance,  of an Unmatured Default or an Event of
Default.  In addition to such inspections,  Agent, at its own expense and at any
time,  shall be entitled to send its  officers or  inspecting  engineers to each
Project for inspections to review the status of construction  and to prepare the
Construction Status Reports and determine the Completion Percentage.
                                       32
<PAGE>
         5.7.  Collateral  Base  Adjustments.   The  Collateral  Base  shall  be
determined each month based upon the current  Construction Status Report.  Agent
shall adjust the Collateral  Base during each calendar  month,  on or before the
later of (a) the eighth (8th) calendar day of each calendar month or (b) fifteen
(15)  calendar  days after  Agent's  receipt  from  Borrower of the  information
necessary to complete the  Construction  Status Report and the  Collateral  Base
Certificate,  as  required  to reflect  (i) any  release of a  Residential  Unit
included in the Collateral Base from the  Collateral,  (ii) any change in status
of a Residential  Unit,  and (iii) after notice to Borrower,  any Event known to
Agent which  results in any  Residential  Unit included in the  Collateral  Base
becoming ineligible for inclusion in the Collateral Base. Agent's calculation of
the   Collateral   Base  shall  be  conclusive  and  binding  on  Borrower  upon
readjustment,  absent  manifest  error.  If the  outstanding  Advances under the
Construction  Line exceed the maximum  availability  under the Collateral  Base,
Borrower shall, upon telephonic notice from Agent, immediately repay all amounts
necessary to reduce the outstanding  Advances under the Construction Line to the
Collateral  Base and/or pay to Agent the amount of the Total Draws with  respect
to any Residential Unit no longer included in the Collateral Base.

         5.8. Defective Work. Agent may withhold from any Advance or, on account
of subsequently discovered evidence,  withhold from a later Advance, as Agent in
its discretion  considers  necessary to protect  Lenders from loss on account of
(i) defective work on the Lots or Residential  Units that has not been remedied,
(ii) any  obligation  required by this  Agreement or the Loan  Documents to have
been performed that has not been  performed,  (iii) liens filed against the Lots
or Residential  Units,  which are not being disputed in accordance  with Section
12.3,  (iv)  failure  of  Borrower  to  make  payments  to  the  contractors  or
contractor's  failure to pay subcontractors for material or labor, which are not
being  disputed in accordance  with Section  12.3, or (v) a reasonable  doubt by
Agent that development of the Lots or construction of the Residential  Units can
be completed for the undisbursed proceeds of the Loan.

         5.9. Budget Shortfall.  In the event that the applicable Loan amount or
so much thereof as Lenders are obligated to Advance is not sufficient in Agent's
sole judgment to pay  ninety-five  percent  (95%) of all costs  contained in the
Base Plan Budget,  or other costs  necessary to complete the Lots or Residential
Units,  Borrower shall be solely  responsible to provide sufficient funds to pay
all costs not  Advanced  by Lenders,  and within  three days of demand of Agent,
Borrower  shall deposit with Agent the amount of funds  estimated by Agent to be
necessary to remain in compliance  with the Base Plan Budget and such funds will
disbursed  under the terms hereof  before any further  Advances  under the Loan.
Failure to make the deposit  required by Agent within three days after notice to
Borrower from Agent shall be an Event of Default hereunder.

         5.10.  Obligations.  It is the intention of the parties hereto that the
Obligations shall constitute one indebtedness,  and shall constitute one general
obligation,  including all whole or 
                                       33
<PAGE>
partial  extensions,   renewals  or  replacements  thereof,  and  including  any
obligation  to perform or forbear from any action as well as any  obligation  to
pay money.


6. TERM LOAN

         6.1.  The Term  Loan.  Subject  to the  terms  and  conditions  of this
Agreement, Lenders agree to make available to Borrower the Term Loan as follows:

                  (a)   Amount.   The   amount  of  the  Term   Loan   shall  be
$6,052,500.00.

                  (b) Purpose. The Term Loan will be advanced to Borrower in one
Advance on the Effective  Date for the purpose of  refinancing  an existing loan
made  by  Norwest  to  Borrower  which  was  used  to  fund  a  portion  of  the
distributions of retained earnings of the Borrower to the shareholders  prior to
the Merger.

                  (c) Evidence of Term Loan.  The Term Loan will be evidenced by
installment  promissory  notes  from  Borrower  to Lenders in the amount of each
Lender's Pro Rate Share of the Term Loan, and any amendments,  modifications  or
supplements  thereto and any note or notes taken  wholly or partially in renewal
or extension thereof or substitution or replacement  therefor  (individually,  a
"Term  Note" and  collectively,  the "Term  Notes").  The Term Loan  shall  bear
interest  in  accordance  with this  Agreement  and shall be payable in nine (9)
monthly principal installments of $500,000,  plus interest, on December 28, 1996
and on the fifteenth  (15th) day of each month beginning on January 15 1997, and
in two (2) quarterly principal  installments of $750,000 each, plus interest, on
June 15, 1997 and August 15, 1997, with the entire unpaid principal balance plus
accrued  interest due and payable,  absent earlier  acceleration,  on August 28,
1997 (the "Term Loan Maturity Date").

                  (d) Optional Principal Payments.  The Term Loan or any portion
thereof may be prepaid at any time in any amount without premium or penalty, and
all prepayments shall be applied to payments due in the order of their maturity.
Notice of  prepayment  and  payment  shall be made to Agent prior to 10:00 a.m.,
Phoenix time, on any Business Day.

                  (e)  Origination   Fee.   Borrower  has  paid  to  Norwest  an
origination fee of $52,500,  receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Norwest.
No additional origination fee will payable in connection with the Term Loan.

                  (f)  Collateral.  The Term Loan is secured  by the  securities
accounts,  the  financial  assets in the  securities  accounts  and the security
entitlements  with respect to each securities  account and the financial  assets
therein, as more particularly described in the Securities Pledge Agreements.


7. GUIDANCE LINE OF CREDIT
                                       34
<PAGE>
         7.1.  Guidance Line of Credit.  Subject to the terms and  conditions of
this Agreement, Lenders agree to make available to Borrower the Guidance Line of
Credit (the "Guidance Line") as follows:

                  (a) Amount.  The maximum principal amount of the Guidance Line
shall not exceed the Guidance Line Commitment.

                  (b) Purpose.  The Guidance Line will be advanced using several
individual  non-revolving  lines of credit for the  purpose of  refinancing  all
Existing Loans that are acquisition  and development  loans of Borrower upon the
Effective Date and,  thereafter,  for providing new  acquisition and development
financing on a project specific basis as determined by Lenders in their sole and
absolute  discretion,  and for  providing  credit  enhancement  as  required  by
Governmental Authorities in connection with infrastructure improvements (each, a
"Guidance  Loan").  Upon the  payment of the  principal  indebtedness  under any
Guidance Loan, the amount of such principal  reductions (but,  together with the
maximum  commitments of all other outstanding  Guidance Loans, not to exceed the
Guidance  Line  Commitment)  will be available  for  reborrowing  by Borrower in
accordance with this Agreement.

                  (c)  Evidence of Guidance  Line.  Each  Guidance  Loan will be
evidenced  by  Guidance  Notes  from  Borrower  to Lenders in the amount of each
Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Guidance Loan, and any amendments,  modifications
or  supplements  thereto  and any note or notes  taken  wholly or  partially  in
renewal or extension  thereof or  substitution  or  replacement  therefor.  Each
Guidance Note shall bear interest in accordance with this Agreement and shall be
payable in monthly  installments  of interest  only on the Monthly  Payment Date
beginning on the month immediately  succeeding the first Advance with respect to
such  Guidance  Note,  with the entire  unpaid  principal  balance  plus accrued
interest due and payable,  absent earlier  acceleration,  no more than two years
after the first Advance (or, in the case of Advances made on the Effective  Date
to refinance  Existing Loans that are  acquisition and  development  loans,  the
existing  maturities  if less  than two  years).  No  Guidance  Loan will have a
maturity date later than two (2) years after the Termination Date (the "Guidance
Line Maturity Date").

                  (d) Advances. From and including the Effective Date, and prior
to the maturity date of each Guidance Note, each Lender severally agrees, on the
terms  and  conditions  set forth in this  Agreement  and in  reliance  upon the
representations  and  warranties of Borrower  herein,  to make Advances to or on
behalf of Borrower,  as Borrower shall request,  provided  immediately  upon the
disbursement of each Advance, the outstanding principal balance of such Guidance
Loan does not exceed the Bulk Land Budget in respect of such  Guidance Loan and,
provided,  further,  the aggregate  Advances  previously made under the Guidance
Loan, plus Lenders'  commitments to make subsequent  Advances under all Guidance
Notes and Letters of Credit, plus the remaining balance of all interest reserves
established in connection with all outstanding  Guidance Notes,  does not exceed
the Guidance Line Commitment. Each Guidance Loan is a closed-end,  non-revolving
line of credit and Advances made under such Guidance Loan 
                                       35
<PAGE>
may not be reborrowed. All change orders shall be submitted to Agent. All change
orders involving  additional costs in excess of $100,000  individually or in the
aggregate,  shall require that Borrower  immediately  provide  evidence to Agent
that Borrower  possesses  sufficient  funds for the completion of such extras or
changes.

                  (e) Interest Reserve. There shall be established in connection
with each  Guidance  Loan,  an interest  reserve  equal to  one-hundred  fifteen
percent  (115%) of the  anticipated  interest  expense  during  the term of such
Guidance  Loan.  The  interest  reserve  will be applied by Agent to  Borrower's
monthly  interest  payments under each Guidance Loan and shall not bear interest
until so applied.  The interest  reserve  shall not be available for Advances to
Borrower other than to pay monthly interest under the Guidance Notes. If, at any
time, Lender  reasonably  determines that the interest reserve with respect to a
Guidance Loan is not sufficient to pay the remaining  monthly interest  payments
with respect to such Guidance Loans, Agent may, to the extent of funds available
under such Guidance Loan,  increase the interest reserve by an amount determined
by Agent in its sole and  absolute  discretion.  To the extent that the interest
reserve has been depleted and there is not sufficient  funds available under the
Guidance Loan to replenish the interest reserve, Agent may require that Borrower
deposit with Agent  sufficient  funds to pay  interest for the  remainder of the
term of such Guidance Loan and, if Agent does not so require Borrower to deposit
additional  funds for payment of  interest,  Borrower  shall pay all  subsequent
interest payments on the Monthly Payment Date from its own funds.

                  (f) Mandatory Lot Takedowns. With respect to the Lots acquired
in connection with each Guidance Loan, as of the end of each three-month  period
from the effective date of such Guidance Loan, on a cumulative  basis,  Borrower
shall have made  mandatory  Lot  release  payments  to Agent at the Lot  Release
Prices for no less than  seventy-five  percent  (75%) of the  projected  average
absorption  (as  approved  by Lenders at the time of the making of the  Guidance
Loan) of Lots acquired in connection  with such Guidance  Loan.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing,  with respect to the Existing Loans which are being refinanced on
the  Effective  Date,  this Section  shall not apply and the  existing  takedown
schedules,  if any,  under such  Existing  Loans  will  remain in full force and
effect.  Subject to the terms and  conditions of this  Agreement,  mandatory Lot
takedowns may be  accomplished  by  transferring  such Lots to the  Construction
Line.

                  (g)  Mandatory  Principal  Payments.  All  Lot  Release  Price
Advances under the Construction Line shall be applied directly by the Lenders as
mandatory principal payments with respect to the applicable Guidance Loan.

                  (h) Optional  Principal  Payment.  Any Guidance  Loan,  or any
portion  thereof,  may be prepaid at any time in any amount  without  premium or
penalty.  Notice of  prepayment  and payment  shall be made prior to 10:00 a.m.,
Phoenix time, on any Business Day.

                  (i)  Origination  Fee.Borrower  shall pay to the Agent for the
account of each Lender an annual origination fee (the "Origination Fee") of 37.5
basis points (prorated for 
                                       36
<PAGE>
any partial year) of the maximum  commitment  available  (including  outstanding
commitments  under  Letters of Credit)  under each  Guidance Loan on the date of
execution of such Guidance Loan and as of January 1 of each year during the term
of such Guidance  Loan,  on or before ten (10) days after  delivery of a written
statement  from  Agent  to  Borrower  of  the  amount  of the  Origination  Fee.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  with respect to the  Origination Fee payable on
the Effective Date only, Borrower shall have no obligation to pay an Origination
Fee with respect to the Guidance Loans for the Rancho Vistoso 55' Project or the
Lincoln Place Project.  Borrower will pay  Origination  Fees with respect to the
Rancho  Vistoso 55' Guidance Loan and the Lincoln Place  Guidance Loan beginning
on January 1, 1998 unless such Guidance Loans shall have been paid in full prior
to such date.  Borrower's obligation to pay the Origination Fee shall be secured
by the Collateral.  For example,  if a Guidance Loan is made on July 1, 1997 and
the maximum  commitment  when made for such  Guidance  Loan is  $2,000,000,  the
initial  Origination Fee for such Guidance Loan to be paid on the execution date
of such Guidance Loan will be $7,500,  prorated for one-half of the year; if the
maximum commitment under such Guidance Loan is $1,500,000 (including outstanding
commitments under Letters of Credit) on January 1, 1998, the annual  Origination
Fee for 1998 will be $5,625;  and if maximum commitment under such Guidance Loan
is $1,000,000  (including  outstanding  commitments  under Letters of Credit) on
January  1, 1999 and the  Guidance  Loan  matures on June 30,  1999,  the annual
Origination Fee for 1999 will be $3,750,  prorated for one-half of the year. Any
Origination  Fee payable on the  Effective  Date or January 1 of any year during
the  term of the  Guidance  Loan  will not be  prorated  due to a  voluntary  or
involuntary prepayment.

                  (j) Guidance Loan Documentation. In connection with the making
of any Guidance Loan, Borrower and Lenders shall agree upon all of the terms and
conditions  with respect to such Guidance  Loan and, to the extent  inconsistent
with  this  Agreement  or not  addressed  in  this  Agreement,  such  terms  and
conditions shall be incorporated  into a Guidance Loan addendum,  which shall be
deemed to be incorporated by this reference into this Agreement.  Borrower shall
execute  and  deliver,  or cause to be  executed  and  delivered,  any  required
Guidance  Loan  addenda  or  supplements,   Guidance  Notes,   First  Mortgages,
environmental questionnaires and environmental reports, Title Policies, consents
of  Guarantors  and such other  agreements,  certificates,  documents  and other
instruments  as Lenders shall require in connection  with their approval of such
new Guidance Loan.

         7.2.  Existing  Projects.  Upon the Effective  Date,  Lender shall make
sufficient  Advances to repay all Existing  Loans and other credit  arrangements
that are  acquisition and  development  loans approved by Lenders.  The existing
acquisition  and  development  loans that will be refinanced  upon the Effective
Date  will be  margined  at the lower of (a) the  existing  margins  under  such
acquisition and development loans,  except to replenish the interest reserve, or
(b) the Bulk Land Price with respect to such Project.

         7.3.  Approval of New Projects.To  the extent that Borrower  desires to
finance  acquisition  and  development  of  additional  Projects  located in the
Phoenix  metropolitan area or 
                                       37
<PAGE>
the Tucson  metropolitan  area,  Borrower shall offer Lenders the first right to
finance such new  Projects  under the  Guidance  Line.  Approval of new Projects
shall be at Bank's  sole and  absolute  discretion  and  Lenders  shall  have no
obligation to approve any new Project.  If Borrower  requests  approval of a new
Project,  Borrower  shall  provide  Lenders  written  notice of the  request for
approval,  accompanied by the information below, to the extent available,  which
is complete  and accurate  (to the extent  provided)  and is in form and content
acceptable  to  Lenders  in its  sole  and  absolute  discretion.  As any of the
information listed below subsequently  becomes available,  Borrower shall timely
submit such  information to Lenders.  Lenders shall have fifteen (15) days after
receipt  of such  notice to  preliminarily  approve  or to deny  such  requested
Guidance  Loan  approval.  If  preliminary  approval is not granted  within said
fifteen  (15) day period or the terms of such  approval  are not  acceptable  to
Borrower, as determined by Borrower in its sole and absolute discretion, it will
be deemed that approval has been denied and Borrower may seek financing for such
new Project from other sources.  If preliminary  approval is timely granted,  as
any of the information  listed below subsequently  becomes  available,  Borrower
shall  timely  submit such  information  to Lenders and  Lenders  shall  finally
approve  or  disapprove   such  Guidance  Loan  request  within  a  commercially
reasonable period of time:

                  (a)  Surveys  or Plat  Maps.  One or more  recorded  Plat Maps
covering the Project,  containing a legal description of the Lots covered by the
Plat Map, and showing all  boundaries of and lines within such Lots, all streets
and other  dedications,  and all  easements  affecting  such Lots,  or a current
survey certified to Lenders and prepared in accordance with the Minimum Standard
Detail  Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys as adopted by the American
Land Title  Association  and the  American  Congress  on  Surveying  and Mapping
approved  in (1992),  including  items 1-4, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 13 of Table A, by a
registered  civil  engineer  acceptable  to  Agent  in  its  sole  and  absolute
discretion covering the Project for which Borrower is requesting approval;

                  (b)  CC&R's.  All  covenants,   conditions  and  restrictions,
easements  and other rights that exist or are  contemplated  with respect to the
Project for which Borrower is requesting approval;

                  (c) Types of Units.  A description of the types of Residential
Units to be constructed within such Project, together with plans and drawings of
the Base Plan Residential Unit for each type of Residential Unit;

                  (d) Base Plan Unit  Budgets.  A Base Plan Budget for each type
of Residential Unit to be constructed within the Project.

                  (e) Lot Option Price. If applicable, the Lot Option Price with
respect to the Lots in the Project,  together  with the Option  Contract and any
other documents evidencing or relating to such Lot Option Price.
                                       38
<PAGE>
                  (f) Option  Information.  If applicable,  a copy of any Option
Contract  under which  Borrower plans to purchase the Project or Lots within the
Project, and any other pertinent information relating to such Option Contract.

                  (g) Lot Takedown Exhibit.  A schedule of the projected average
monthly absorption of all Lots to be constructed within the Project.

                  (h) Approvals. Evidence of appropriate zoning and existence of
all necessary governmental and other third-party approvals,  including,  without
limitation,  building  permits,  Arizona  Department of Real Estate  conditional
sales approvals and public reports,  architectural  committee  approvals (to the
extent  Borrower does not control the granting of such  approvals) and any other
approvals required under the covenants, conditions and restrictions.

                  (i) Zoning.  Evidence of such zoning (including variances) and
other  land use  entitlements  as may be  necessary  to permit any  intended  or
foreseeable use of the Lots, Project and Residential Units.

                  (j) Environmental Report. An environmental  questionnaire with
respect to the Project on Lender's then standard form and a current  (dated less
than six months from submission)  Phase 1 Environmental  Site Assessment  Report
addressed or  certified  to Lenders and  prepared by a registered  environmental
engineer  or other  qualified  party  chosen by Borrower  and  approved by Agent
stating that there are no hazardous  substances  present in, on, under or around
the  Property,  and that there is no condition or  circumstance  which  warrants
further investigation or analysis in the opinion of the preparer of the report.

                  (k) Utilities.  Evidence that all utilities  shall be provided
which are necessary to develop and  subdivide  the Lots,  and to sell and occupy
the Residential Units,  including written assurances from such utility companies
as Lenders may require.

                  (l) Taxes.  Evidence  acceptable  to Lenders in their sole and
absolute discretion that all real property taxes,  assessments,  water, sewer or
other charges levied or assessed against the Project have been paid in full.

                  (m) Flood Report. Evidence acceptable to Lenders in their sole
and  absolute  discretion,  as to whether  (a) the Project is located in an area
designated by the Department of Housing and Urban  Development as having special
flood or mudslide hazards, and (b) the community in which the Project is located
is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

                  (n)  Preliminary  Title Report.  A commitment for an ALTA Loan
Policy,  including all Schedule B exception and requirement  items, and evidence
satisfactory to Lenders that a reputable title insurance company satisfactory to
Lender is  prepared  to issue  title  insurance  
                                       39
<PAGE>
policies with respect to each Project for which Borrower is requesting approval,
subject only to the Permitted Exceptions.

                  (o) Base Plan Appraisals.  Agent shall have ordered,  reviewed
and approved the Base Plan  appraisals for each type of  Residential  Unit to be
constructed in the Project.

                  (p) Bulk Sale Appraisals.  Agent shall have ordered,  reviewed
and approved the Bulk Land Price appraisals for the Real Estate.

                  (q)  Governmental  Approvals.  Any  environmental  licenses or
approvals  for  operation  within  or on the  Project,  if any;  and  any  other
applicable governmental permits, approvals,  consents, licenses and certificates
for the use and  operation  of the  Project or which may affect the value of the
Project,  including,  without limitation,  any approvals,  licenses or ownership
rights for any water or  irrigation  utilized  on the  Project,  and any and all
reports and/or approvals issued with or by the Arizona Department of Real Estate
and/or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

                  (r) Other Items. The following additional items:

                           (i) If requested  by Lenders,  all  construction  and
development  contracts related to the Project with scheduled values in excess of
$100,000,  including,  without  limitation,  the names and  addresses of persons
providing  labor  or  materials  in  connection   with  the  Project;   and  all
subcontracts with scheduled values in excess of $100,000.

                           (ii) If requested by Lenders,  soils reports for each
Project;

                           (iii) If requested by Lenders,  drainage  reports (if
applicable) for each Project;

                           (iv) If requested by Lenders, Project projections and
analysis for each  Project in form and  substance  acceptable  to Lenders in its
sole and absolute discretion,  including,  without limitation, (A) projected Lot
and Residential  Unit sale prices,  absorption and closings,  (B) if applicable,
projected Lot takedowns under Option Contract or otherwise, (C) projected number
of Unsold Units and Model Homes, (D) projected construction and sales time line,
and (E) if  applicable,  as to already active  Projects,  an Unsold Units report
which will  indicate the total number of Lots,  Lots closed,  number of existing
Residential Units Under Purchase  Contract,  Model Homes and Unsold Units, and a
historical sales and closing report;

                           (v) If  requested  by  Lenders,  and  if  applicable,
description of any bonding requirements related to each Project; and

                           (vi) If requested by Lenders,  marketing  information
for each Project; and
                                       40
<PAGE>
                  (s) Other.  such other documents and information  that Lenders
may require in their sole and absolute discretion.

         7.4. Letters of Credit.

                  (a) General.  Borrower may request that Norwest issue a Letter
of Credit, in a form reasonably acceptable to Norwest,  appropriately completed,
for the  account  of the  Borrower,  at any time and from time to time while any
Guidance Loan remains in effect for the purpose of providing credit  enhancement
as  required by the  applicable  Governmental  Authorities  in  connection  with
infrastructure  improvements  to be  installed  under any  Guidance  Loan.  This
Section 7.4 shall not be construed to impose an obligation upon Norwest to issue
any Letter of Credit that is inconsistent  with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

                  (b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain
Conditions. In order to request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or to amend,
renew or extend an existing  Letter of Credit),  Borrower  shall hand deliver or
telecopy to Norwest  (reasonably  in advance of the requested  date of issuance,
amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of
Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended,  renewed or extended,
the date of issuance,  amendment,  renewal or extension,  the date on which such
Letter of Credit is to expire  (which shall comply with  subsection  (c) below),
the amount of such  Letter of Credit,  the name and  address of the  beneficiary
thereof and such other  information as shall be necessary to prepare such Letter
of Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only
if, and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit,
the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that,  after giving effect
to such issuance,  amendment,  renewal or extension,  the sum of the outstanding
principal  amount of such Guidance Loan, any interest  reserve for such Guidance
Loan  and the  aggregate  outstanding  Letter  of  Credit  commitments  for such
Guidance Loan do not exceed the maximum commitment with respect to such Guidance
Loan.

                  (c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at the
close of  business  on the  earlier  of the date one year  after the date of the
issuance  of such  Letter of Credit or the date that is five (5)  Business  Days
prior to the Maturity Date of such Guidance  Loan,  unless such Letter of Credit
expires by its terms on an earlier date.

                  (d) Disbursements in Respect of Letters of Credit. Each Lender
hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to Norwest such Lender's Pro
Rata  Share of each  disbursement  made by  Norwest  in  respect  of a Letter of
Credit.  Each Lender  acknowledges  and agrees that its  obligation  to pay such
Lender's  Pro Rata Share of each  disbursement  in respect of a Letter of Credit
pursuant to this Section is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected
by any circumstance  whatsoever,  including the occurrence and continuance of an
Unmatured  Default or an Event of Default,  and that each such payment  shall be
made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.
                                       41
<PAGE>
                  (e) Obligations/Absolute.  Borrower's obligations to reimburse
disbursements  in respect of Letters of Credit shall be absolute,  unconditional
and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement, under any and all circumstances whatsoever, and irrespective of:

                           (i) any lack of  validity  or  enforceability  of any
Letter of Credit or any Loan Document, or any term or provision therein;

                           (ii) any  amendment  or waiver of or any  consent  to
departure  from all or any of the provisions of any Letter of Credit or any Loan
Document;

                           (iii)  Borrower,  any other  party  guaranteeing,  or
otherwise  obligated  with,  Borrower,  any member of the Obligated  Group,  any
Subsidiary or other  Affiliate  thereof or any other person may at any time have
against the beneficiary under any Letter of Credit, Norwest or any Lender or any
other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document
or any other related or unrelated agreement or transaction;

                           (iv) any draft or other  document  presented  under a
Letter of Credit proving to be forged,  fraudulent,  invalid or  insufficient in
any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

                           (v)  payment  by  Norwest  under a Letter  of  Credit
against  presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the
terms of such Letter of Credit; and

                           (vi) any other act or omission to act or delay of any
kind of  Norwest,  the  Lenders,  or any  other  person  or any  other  event or
circumstance  whatsoever,  whether or not similar to any of the foregoing,  that
might,  but for the  provisions  of this Section  7.4(e),  constitute a legal or
equitable discharge of Borrower's obligations hereunder.

                           (vii)   Without   limiting  the   generality  of  the
foregoing,  it  is  expressly  understood  and  agreed  that  the  absolute  and
unconditional  obligation of Borrower to reimburse  disbursements  in respect of
Letters  of Credit  will not be  excused  by the  gross  negligence  or  willful
misconduct of Norwest.  However,  the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse
Norwest  from  liability  to  Borrower  to the extent of any direct  damages (as
opposed to consequential  damages,  claims in respect of which are hereby waived
by the Borrower to the extent  permitted by applicable law) suffered by Borrower
that are caused by Norwest's gross  negligence or willful  misconduct or failure
to examine  drafts  and other  documents  presented  under a Letter of Credit to
determine  whether such drafts and other  documents  presented under a Letter of
Credit comply with the terms thereof;  it is understood  that Norwest may accept
documents that appear on their face to be in order,  without  responsibility for
further  investigation,  regardless of any notice or information to the contrary
and, in making any payment  under any Letter of Credit (A)  Norwest's  exclusive
reliance on the documents  presented to it 
                                       42
<PAGE>
under  such  Letter  of  Credit as to any and all  matters  set  forth  therein,
including  reliance  on the amount of any draft  presented  under such Letter of
Credit,  whether or not the amount due to the beneficiary  thereunder equals the
amount of such draft and whether or not any document  presented pursuant to such
Letter of Credit proves to be insufficient  in any respect,  if such document on
its face appears to be in order,  and whether or not any other  statement or any
other document  presented  pursuant to such Letter of Credit proves to be forged
or invalid or any  statement  therein  proves to be  inaccurate or untrue in any
respect  whatsoever and (B) any  noncompliance in any immaterial  respect of the
documents presented under such Letter of Credit with the terms thereof shall, in
each case, be deemed not to constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence of
Norwest.

                  (f) Disbursement Procedures. Norwest shall, promptly following
its receipt thereof,  examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for
payment under a Letter of Credit issued by Norwest. Norwest shall as promptly as
possible give telephonic  notification,  confirmed by telecopy,  to Borrower and
the Lenders of such demand for payment and whether Norwest has made or will make
a disbursement thereunder;  provided, however, that any failure to give or delay
in giving such notice shall not relieve  Borrower of its obligation to reimburse
Norwest and the Lenders  with respect to any such  disbursement  in respect of a
Letter  of  Credit  or  relieve   Lenders  from  their   obligation  to  Advance
disbursements under the Letters of Credit.

                  (g)  Interest.  If  Norwest  shall  make any  disbursement  in
respect of a Letter of Credit, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest for
the account of Lenders  thereafter as a Floating  Interest Rate Advance,  unless
and until converted to a Eurodollar Advance in accordance with this Agreement.


8. BORROWINGS

         8.1. Method of Borrowing.  Not later than 10:00 a.m.,  Phoenix time, on
each  Borrowing  Date,  each Lender shall make  available its Loan or Loans,  in
funds  immediately  available  in  Phoenix,  Arizona to the Agent at its address
specified in the Co-Lender Agreement.  The Agent will make the funds so received
from the Lenders available to the Borrower by deposit into one or more operating
accounts at Norwest designated from time to time by Borrower.

         8.2. Method of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for Advances.

                  (a) The  Borrower  shall  select the Type of Advance by giving
the Agent irrevocable  notice (a "Borrowing  Notice") not later than 10:00 a.m.,
Phoenix time,  at least one (1) Business Day before the Borrowing  Date for each
Floating  Interest  Rate Advance and at least three (3) Business Days before the
Borrowing Date for each Eurodollar Advance, specifying:

                           (i) the  Borrowing  Date,  which  shall be a Business
Day, of such Advance;
                                       43
<PAGE>
                           (ii) the aggregate amount of such Advance; and

                           (iii) the Type of Advance selected.

         The  Borrower  shall be  entitled  to obtain  only one (1)  Advance per
Guidance Loan per month and only four (4)  Construction  Line Advances per month
(Eurodollar  Advances may only be made on the Eurodollar  Advance Date) and only
one Advance in any single Business Day.  Changes in the rate of interest on that
portion of any Advance  maintained as a Floating Interest Rate Advance will take
effect  simultaneously  with each change in the  Floating  Interest  Rate.  Each
Eurodollar  Advance  shall bear interest from and including the first day of the
Eurodollar  Interest  Period  applicable  thereto  to,  but not  including,  the
Eurodollar Advance Date three months thereafter. Changes in the rate of interest
on that  portion of any Advance  maintained  as a  Eurodollar  Advance will take
effect on the first Business Day after the expiration of the Eurodollar Interest
Period.

                  (b) Each Borrowing  Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on
the Borrower and, in respect of the borrowing specified in the Borrowing Notice,
the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss or expense incurred by
that Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill the applicable  conditions set
forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 on or before the proposed Borrowing Date specified
in the Borrowing Notice, including, without limitation, any loss (including loss
of profit) or expense  incurred by reason of the  liquidation or reemployment of
deposits  or other  funds  acquired by any Lender to fund the Loan to be made by
that  Lender  as part of that  borrowing  when  that  Loan,  as a result of that
failure, is not made on that date.

                  (c) In the event of any  prepayment  of a  Eurodollar  Loan or
with any  conversion of a Eurodollar  Loan to a Floating  Interest Rate Loan, in
either case other than on the last Business Day of the Interest  Period for such
Eurodollar Loan (including any such prepayment made voluntarily or involuntarily
as a result  of the  acceleration  of  maturity  upon a default  or  otherwise),
Borrower  shall also pay (a) all  accrued and unpaid  interest on the  principal
being prepaid,  (b) all Other Amounts then due, and (c) a premium, if any, equal
to the  product of (i) the Average  Lost  Monthly  Interest  Income and (ii) the
number of months from the date of  prepayment or conversion to the last Business
Day of the  Interest  Period for such  Eurodollar  Loan (with any  fraction of a
month counted as a month), discounted to present value at the Discount Rate over
a period  equal to one-half  of the number of months in clause  (ii) above.  The
maturity date and yield to maturity of Treasury  Obligations shall be determined
by Agent,  on the basis of  quotations  published in The Wall Street  Journal or
other  comparable  sources.  Failure of Agent to exercise  any option  hereunder
shall not constitute a waiver of Agent's right to exercise the same in the event
of any  subsequent  prepayment  of a  Eurodollar  Loan  or with  any  subsequent
conversion of a Eurodollar Loan to a Floating Interest Rate Loan, in either case
other than on the last Business Day of the Interest  Period for such  Eurodollar
Loan  (including any such  prepayment  made  voluntarily or  involuntarily  as a
result of the acceleration of maturity upon a default or otherwise).
                                       44
<PAGE>
         8.3. Method of Selecting Types and Interest  Periods for Conversion and
Continuation of Advances.

                  (a) Right to  Convert.  The  Borrower  may elect  from time to
time,  subject to the  provisions of Section 8.4, to convert all or any part of,
an Advance of any Type into any other Type or Types of Advances;  provided  that
any  conversion  of any  Advance  shall  be made  effective  on,  and only on, a
Eurodollar Advance Date.

                  (b) Automatic  Conversion and Continuation.  Floating Interest
Rate Advances shall continue as Floating Interest Rate Advances unless and until
such Floating  Interest Rate Advances are converted  into  Eurodollar  Advances.
Eurodollar  Advances  shall  convert to Floating  Interest  Rate Advances on the
expiration of the  Eurodollar  Interest  Period  unless Agent timely  receives a
Conversion/Continuation Notice (as defined below) from Borrower.

                  (c) No  Conversion in Case of an Event of Default or Unmatured
Default.  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in Section 8.3(b),
no Advance may be converted  into or continued as a Eurodollar  Advance  (except
with the consent of the Lenders) when any Event of Default or Unmatured  Default
has occurred  and is  continuing.  As of the first  Business Day on or after the
expiration of the Eurodollar  Interest Period,  after the occurrence of an Event
of Default or  Unmatured  Default  and during the  continuance  of such Event of
Default or Unmatured Default,  all Eurodollar Advances shall convert to Floating
Interest Rate Advances.

                  (d)  Conversion/Continuation  Notice.  The Borrower shall give
the  Agent  irrevocable  notice  (a  "Conversion/Continuation  Notice")  of each
continuation of a Eurodollar  Advance and each conversion of a Floating Interest
Rate Advance to a Eurodollar Advance not later than 10:00 a.m., Phoenix time, on
or before three (3) Business  Days  preceding the  expiration of the  applicable
Eurodollar Interest Period.

         8.4.  Maximum Number of Eurodollar  Advances and Minimum Amount of Each
Eurodollar  Advance.  At no time may Borrower have more than five (5) Eurodollar
Advances outstanding.  Each Eurodollar Advance shall be in the minimum amount of
$3,000,000  (and in  multiples  of  $100,000 if in excess  thereof).  Eurodollar
Advances  shall be  available  under  the  Construction  Line from and after the
Effective  Date,  subject to any limitations  contained in this  Agreement,  and
Eurodollar  Advances  will be available  under the Guidance  Line when Agent and
Lenders notify Borrower that Eurodollar  Advances under the Guidance Line can be
properly administered.

         8.5.  Rate after  Maturity.  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary
contained herein,  any Advance not paid at maturity,  whether by acceleration or
otherwise, shall bear interest until paid in full at the Default Rate.
                                       45
<PAGE>
         8.6.  Method of Payment.  All payments of principal,  interest and fees
hereunder  shall  be  made,  without  setoff,  deduction,  or  counterclaim,  in
immediately  available  funds  to the  Agent  by wire  transfer  of  immediately
available  federal funds pursuant to instructions  provided by Agent to Borrower
from time to time,  by 10:00 a.m.,  Phoenix time, on the date when due and shall
be made ratably among the Lenders.  Each payment  delivered to the Agent for the
account of any Lender shall be delivered promptly by the Agent to such Lender in
the same type of funds which the Agent received.  The Agent is hereby authorized
to charge any account of the Borrower  maintained  with Norwest for each payment
of  principal,  interest and fees as it becomes due  hereunder.  The Agent shall
endeavor in good faith to provide  telephonic  notice to  Borrower  prior to any
such  charge,  but the Agent shall not be liable to Borrower or any other Person
if Agent fails to provide any such notice.  If and to the extent payment owed to
any Lender is not made by the Borrower to the Agent or that Lender,  as the case
may be, when due  hereunder or under the Note held by that Lender,  the Borrower
further authorizes such Lender to charge from time to time against any or all of
the accounts  maintained  by the  Borrower  with the Lender,  its  subsidiaries,
affiliates or branches any amount so due,  subject to the  provisions of Article
16.

         8.7. Notes;  Telephonic  Notices.  The Borrower  hereby  authorizes the
Lenders and the Agent to extend, convert or continue Advances, effect selections
of Types of Advances and to transfer  funds based on telephonic  notices made by
any person or  persons  the Agent or any  Lender in good  faith  believes  to be
acting on behalf of the Borrower. All actions taken by the Lenders and the Agent
upon such  telephonic  notices  are hereby  approved  by the  Borrower,  and the
Lenders and the Agent shall incur no liability as a result of any such  actions.
The Borrower agrees to deliver promptly to the Agent a written confirmation,  if
such  confirmation  is requested by the Agent or any Lender,  of each telephonic
notice,  signed by an Authorized Officer. If the written confirmation differs in
any material  respect  from the action  taken by the Agent and the Lenders,  the
records of the Agent and the Lenders shall govern absent manifest error.

         8.8. Interest Payment Dates:  Interest and Fee Basis.  Interest accrued
on each Advance  shall be payable on each Monthly  Payment Date (or as otherwise
provided herein with respect to the Term Notes),  commencing with the first such
date to  occur  after  the  Effective  Date,  and on the  maturity  date of such
Advance.  Interest  on all Loans and  commitment  fees shall be  calculated  for
actual days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day  year.  Interest  shall be payable
for the day an Advance is made but not for the day of any  payment on the amount
paid if payment is received  prior to 10:00 a.m.,  Phoenix time, at the place of
payment. If any payment of principal of, or interest on, an Advance shall become
due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next
succeeding  Business  Day and  such  extension  of time  shall  be  included  in
computing interest in connection with such payment.

         8.9.  Notification  of  Advances,   Interest  Rates,   Prepayments  and
Commitment  Reductions.  Promptly after receipt  thereof,  the Agent will notify
each Lender of the contents of each  Borrowing  Notice,  Conversion/Continuation
Notice,  and repayment  notice  received by it 
                                       46
<PAGE>
hereunder.  The Agent will notify each Lender of the interest rate applicable to
each Eurodollar Advance promptly upon determination of such interest rate.

         8.10.  Non-Receipt  of Funds by the  Agent.  Unless the  Borrower  or a
Lender,  as the case may be, notifies the Agent prior to the date on which it is
scheduled  to make  payment  to the  Agent of (i) in the case of a  Lender,  the
proceeds of a Loan or (ii) in the case of the Borrower,  a payment of principal,
interest or fees to the Agent for the account of the  Lenders,  that it does not
intend to make such  payment,  the Agent may assume  that such  payment has been
made.  The Agent may,  but shall not be  obligated  to,  make the amount of such
payment available to the intended recipient in reliance upon such assumption. If
such  Lender  or the  Borrower,  as the case may be,  has not in fact  made such
payment to the Agent,  the  recipient  of such payment  shall,  on demand by the
Agent,  repay to the Agent the amount so made  available  together with interest
thereon in respect  of each day  during the period  commencing  on the date such
amount was so made available by the Agent until the date the Agent recovers such
amount.  With respect to any payments required under this Section from Borrower,
interest shall accrue at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate  applicable
to the relevant Loan, including the Default Rate, if applicable. With respect to
any payments required under this Section from any Lender,  interest shall accrue
at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

         8.11.  Unconditional Obligation to Make Payments. To the fullest extent
permitted  by law, the Borrower  shall make all  payments  hereunder,  under the
Notes and under all of the other Loan  Documents  regardless  of any  defense or
counterclaim,  including any defense or  counterclaim  based on any law, rule or
policy which is now or hereafter  promulgated by any Governmental  Authority and
which may adversely  affect the Borrower's  obligations to make, or the right of
the  holder of any Note to  receive,  those  payments.  Borrower  shall make all
payments  under the Loans to Agent for the  benefit  of Lenders  and,  upon such
payment to Agent,  Borrower  shall be relieved of liability  for such payment to
each Lender (subject to any requirement  that Agent or such Lender disgorge such
payment).

         8.12.  Advances  During Default.  Upon the  occurrence,  and during the
continuance,  of any Event of Default or Unmatured Default,  or at any time that
Agent determines from its own inspection that the Lots or Residential  Units are
not  being   constructed   in   substantial   compliance   with  the  plans  and
specifications  approved  by Agent or within the Bulk Land  Budget,  Agent shall
have the right to take over and complete  construction  of the  Collateral by or
through any agent,  contractor  or  subcontractor  of its selection and may make
Advances and disburse any funds  deposited  with Agent by Borrower in payment of
the costs,  expenses,  fees,  attorneys'  fees and other charges,  together with
reasonable  allowances for supervision,  incurred in connection with such taking
over and completion.  In the event proceeds of the Loan and amounts deposited by
Borrower are  insufficient  to pay all of the same,  the unpaid  amount  thereof
shall be an indebtedness of Borrower to Lenders, payable immediately upon demand
or notice,  shall bear interest at the Default Rate, and shall be secured by all
of the Collateral.  In the absence of an Event of Default or Unmatured  Default,
the rights of Agent hereunder to take over and complete  
                                       47
<PAGE>
construction  shall not mature  until ten (10) days after Agent gives  notice of
its  intention  to exercise  such rights.  If,  within such ten (10) day period,
Borrower commences to cure the construction defects upon which Agent's rights in
this Section are predicated and completes the cure within thirty (30) days after
Agent's  notice of intent  to  exercise  such  rights is given,  Agent's  rights
hereunder shall not mature.

         8.13. Draw Requests. For each Advance under the Guidance Line, Borrower
shall submit to Agent a written draw request on AIA Form G 702 and G 703 or like
form (a "Draw Request") signed by the Borrower.

                  (a) Each Draw Request shall be accompanied by such  additional
items of  information  and  documentation  as Agent may  require in its sole and
absolute discretion.

                  (b) Borrower  may submit Draw  Requests to Agent not more than
once in any calendar  month for each  Guidance Loan (unless Agent agrees to make
disbursements  more frequently than once a month) and,  subject to the terms and
conditions  of this  Agreement,  Agent will fund such draw  request  (subject to
Borrower's  compliance  with the Loan Documents) no later than ten (10) Business
Days after Agent's receipt of such complete and accurate Draw Request, including
all information and  documentation  requested by Agent, and Agent will fund such
Draw Request  (subject to Borrower's  compliance  with the Loan  Documents) only
after the  Completion  Percentage  (supported  by Check Release  Methodology  if
required by Agent) is verified by Agent.  A Draw Request shall not be considered
complete and accurate,  and Lenders' obligation to fund Advances as to such Draw
Request  within the time set forth in this Section  shall not begin,  unless and
until such Draw Request  includes and is accompanied  by all items  requested by
Agent,  which are complete and accurate,  and in form and content  acceptable to
Agent in its  reasonable  discretion.  At Agent's  option,  but in no event more
frequently  than  once per  Calendar  Quarter,  Borrower  shall pay all costs to
provide  "date down"  endorsements  to Agent's  Title  Policies if  requested by
Agent, in Agent's sole and absolute discretion.  Borrower shall use all Advances
strictly for the purposes for which they were  disbursed by Agent.  In the event
that Agent  desires to make any Advance  after an Unmatured  Default or Event of
Default,  Agent may require an ALTA No. 10 full  bring-down  endorsement  to its
Title Policy.

                  (c)  Unless  Borrower  has  notified  Agent in  writing to the
contrary,  each Draw Request  shall  constitute  Borrower's  representation  and
warranty  to Agent that:  (a) the  Completion  Percentage  set forth in the Draw
Request is true and  correct  and is  supported  by Check  Release  Methodology,
evidence of which shall be  provided to Agent upon  Agent's  request in its sole
and absolute discretion; (b) all prior Advances, as well as that currently being
requested,  were and will be used in compliance  with the Bulk Land Budget;  and
(c) no Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing.

                  (d) Together with each Draw Request, Borrower shall deliver to
Agent  evidence  of  the  Completion  Percentage  (supported  by  Check  Release
Methodology if required by 
                                       48
<PAGE>
Agent in its sole and  absolute  discretion)  and  such  evidence  as Agent  may
require, in its sole and absolute discretion, to show that all items included in
the Draw Request are supported by Check Release Methodology.

                  (e) Together  with each Draw  Request,  from and after written
request by Agent to Borrower,  Borrower shall deliver to Agent lien waivers from
all contractors, subcontractors and materialmen paid pursuant to the immediately
preceding  Advance and all prior Advances to the extent not previously  provided
to Agent.

                  (f) Borrower  acknowledges  that (i) Agent may Advance and use
Loan  proceeds  to pay  certain  fees and  expenses  of  Agent  and  Lenders  in
accordance with this Agreement,  (ii) for purposes of Advances  related to these
fees and  expenses,  Agent is not  restricted to the items set forth in the Bulk
Land Budget, and (iii) such items may reduce Borrower's allowed Advance pursuant
to Borrower's Draw Request.

                  (g) Any  materials  covered by a Draw Request must be suitably
stored at the construction  site or actually  incorporated into the Improvements
and there shall have been established  construction staging and storage areas on
the  Project  site  in  a  manner  and  location   satisfactory  to  Lender.  No
disbursement  of the Loan  shall be made for  materials  stored at any  location
other than the Project.

                  (h)  Any   Advance   made  by  Agent   under  any  option  for
disbursement,  or so much thereof as Agent may consider proper, may be disbursed
to Borrower or its order, or if an Unmatured  Default or Event of Default exists
and is  continuing  or Agent has evidence that Borrower is not timely paying its
contractors  and  materialmen,  at Agent's  election,  directly  to the  persons
furnishing labor and/or materials, or to both. Agent shall have no obligation to
see that the  disbursements  made by it to Borrower or any  designee of Borrower
are actually used to pay for labor and materials  furnished for  acquisition  or
development  of the Real Estate or Lots, as  applicable.  Borrower  acknowledges
that this is its  responsibility  and Borrower  assumes all risks in  connection
with any disbursement to any such designee.

                  (i) Agent may  withhold  from any  Advance  or, on  account of
subsequently discovered evidence, withhold from a later Advance, as Agent in its
discretion  considers  necessary to protect  Lenders from loss on account of (i)
defective  work on the Project that has not been  remedied,  (ii) any obligation
required by this Agreement or the Loan Documents to have been performed that has
not been performed,  (iii) liens filed against the Project,  which liens are not
being disputed in the manner  provided in Section 12.3, (iv) failure of Borrower
to  make  payments  to  the   contractors   or   contractor's   failure  to  pay
subcontractors  for material or labor,  or (v) a reasonable  doubt by Agent that
development  of the  Project  can be  completed  for less  than the  undisbursed
proceeds of the Loan.
                                       49
<PAGE>
                  (j) Lenders,  from time to time,  may make Advances in payment
of  insurance  premiums,  taxes,  assessments,  liens or  encumbrances  existing
against the Collateral,  interest  accrued and payable upon the applicable Loan,
and any charges and  expenses  that are the  obligation  of Borrower  under this
Agreement or any Loan Document and any charges or matters  necessary to preserve
the Collateral or to cure any Unmatured Default or Event of Default.

                  (k) In the  event  of any  dispute  that,  in the  good  faith
opinion of Agent,  may  endanger  the timely  completion  of the  Project or the
fulfillment  of any  condition  precedent or covenant  herein,  Lenders may make
Advances for the account of Borrower without prejudice to Borrower's  rights, if
any,  to  recover  such funds from the party to whom  paid.  Such  agreement  or
agreements may take any form that Lenders in their  reasonable  discretion  deem
proper, including,  without limitation,  agreements to indemnify a title insurer
against possible assertion of lien claims and agreements to pay disputed amounts
to contractors in the event Borrower is unable or unwilling to pay the same. All
sums paid or  agreed  to be paid  pursuant  to such  agreement  shall be for the
account of Borrower and shall be charged as an Advance.

                  (l)  Although  Lenders  shall have no  obligation  to make any
Advance unless and until all of the conditions and prior  performances set forth
herein  have been  kept,  fulfilled  or  performed,  and until all  inspections,
certifications,  releases,  waivers,  or other  requirements  set  forth in this
Agreement have been made,  delivered and complied with,  Lenders,  at their sole
discretion,  may make Advances  prior to that time without  waiving or releasing
any of the  requirements  or conditions of this  Agreement,  but Borrower  shall
continue to be strictly obligated and subject thereto,  and all such conditions,
prior  performances and other  requirements  shall  nevertheless be strictly and
punctually complied with, fulfilled and performed; and, notwithstanding any such
disbursement, Lenders, at their discretion, may discontinue any further Advances
at  any  time  until  all  of  the  conditions,  prior  performances  and  other
requirements  of this  Agreement  have been  strictly  fulfilled,  performed and
complied with.

                  (m) Borrower  shall have no right to any Advance other than to
have  the  same  disbursed  by  Lenders  in  accordance  with one or more of the
disbursement provisions contained in this Agreement. Any assignment or transfer,
voluntary or  involuntary,  of this Agreement or any Loan or any right hereunder
or  thereunder  shall not be binding upon or in any way affect  Lenders  without
their  written  consent;  Lenders  may make  Advances  under  one or more of the
disbursement provisions herein, notwithstanding any such assignment or transfer.

                  (n) In the event that the  applicable  Loan  amount or so much
thereof as Lenders are  obligated to Advance is not  sufficient  in Agent's sole
judgment  to pay all costs  contained  in the Bulk Land  Budget,  or other costs
necessary to complete  the  Project,  Borrower  shall be solely  responsible  to
provide  sufficient  funds to pay all costs not advanced by Lenders,  and within
three days of demand of Agent,  Borrower  shall deposit with Agent the amount of
funds estimated by Agent to be necessary to complete the Project to be disbursed
under the terms hereof before any 
                                       50
<PAGE>
further  Advances under the Loan.  Failure to make the deposit required by Agent
within  three  days after  notice to  Borrower  from Agent  shall be an Event of
Default hereunder.

                  (o) Advances  under the  Guidance  Line will only be available
for  acquisition  of  Real  Estate  and  certain  engineering,   land  planning,
permitting  and  other  approved  "soft  costs"  until  such  time  as a plat of
subdivision  approved by Agent has been recorded in the official  records of the
county where the Real Estate is located.

         8.14.  Disbursements  to Other  Parties.  Agent  may,  but shall not be
obligated to, make  disbursements  directly to any  contractor,  subcontractors,
laborers  or  material  suppliers  if an Event of Default or  Unmatured  Default
exists or upon the filing of a  mechanics'  or  materialmen's  lien  against any
Collateral,  which is not being contested by Borrower in accordance with Section
12.3 or bonded over or insured over by the title insurer.


9. CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

         9.1.   Yield-Protection.   If   any   law  or   any   governmental   or
quasi-governmental rule, regulation,  policy, guideline or directive (whether or
not having the force of law), or any interpretation  thereof,  or the compliance
of any Lender therewith:

                  (a)  subjects  any  Lender  to  any  tax,   duty,   charge  or
withholding  on or from  payments  due  from  the  Borrower  (excluding  federal
taxation  of the  overall  net income of any  Lender),  or changes  the basis of
taxation of payments to any Lender in respect of its Loans or other  amounts due
it hereunder; or

                  (b) imposes or  increases  or deems  applicable  any  reserve,
assessment,  insurance charge,  special deposit or similar  requirement  against
assets of,  deposits  with or for the  account  of, or credit  extended  by, any
Lender; or

                  (c)  imposes  any other  condition  the  result of which is to
increase  the cost to any Lender of  making,  funding  or  maintaining  loans or
reduces  any  amount  receivable  by any Lender in  connection  with  loans,  or
requires any Lender to make any payment calculated by reference to the amount of
loans held or  interest  received  by it, by an amount  deemed  material by such
Lender,  then,  within fifteen (15) days of demand by such Lender,  the Borrower
shall pay such  Lender  that  portion  of such  increased  expense  incurred  or
reduction in amount  received which such Lender  determines is  attributable  to
making, funding and maintaining its Loans and its Aggregate Commitment.

         9.2. Changes in Capital Adequacy  Regulations.  If a Lender  determines
the amount of capital  required or expected to be maintained by such Lender,  or
any corporation controlling such Lender, is increased as a result of a Change in
Law, then, within fifteen (15) days of demand by such Lender, the Borrower shall
pay such Lender the amount necessary to compensate for any 
                                       51
<PAGE>
shortfall in the rate of return on the portion of such  increased  capital which
such Lender  determines  is  attributable  to this  Agreement,  its Loans or its
obligation  to make Loans  hereunder  (after  taking into account such  Lender's
policies as to capital adequacy).

         9.3.  Availability of Types of Advances.  If any Lender determines that
maintenance  of its  Eurodollar  Loans would violate any  applicable  law, rule,
regulation,  or  directive,  whether or not  having the force of law,  or if the
Agent  determines  that  (i)  Eurodollar  Loans  are not  available  or (ii) the
interest rate  applicable to a Eurodollar  Loan does not accurately  reflect the
cost of making or  maintaining  such  Advance,  then the Agent shall suspend the
availability of the Eurodollar  Loans and convert all such  Eurodollar  Loans to
Floating Interest Rate Loans on the next succeeding Eurodollar Advance Date.

         9.4.  Lender  Statements;  Survival of  Indemnity.  Each  Lender  shall
deliver a written  statement of such Lender as to the amount due, if any,  under
Sections 9.1 or 9.2. Such written statement shall set forth in reasonable detail
the  calculations  upon which such  Lender  determined  such amount and shall be
final,  conclusive and binding on the Borrower in the absence of manifest error.
Determination  of amounts  payable  under such  Sections  in  connection  with a
Eurodollar  Loan shall be calculated as though each Lender funded its Eurodollar
Loan through the purchase of a deposit of the type and maturity corresponding to
the deposit used as a reference in determining the Eurodollar Rate applicable to
such Loan,  whether in fact that is the case or not. Unless  otherwise  provided
herein, the amount specified in the written statement shall be payable on demand
after receipt by the Borrower of the written  statement.  The obligations of the
Borrower under Sections 9.1 and 9.2 shall survive payment of the Obligations and
termination of this Agreement.


10. REAL ESTATE COLLATERAL

         10.1. First  Mortgages.  As security for the payment and performance of
the  Obligations,  on the Effective Date and prior to making any Advance secured
by such Collateral, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Agent First Mortgages,
subject only to the Permitted Exceptions, of all Real Estate,  Residential Units
and Lots which are intended to be Collateral for the Obligations.  To the extent
permitted by the optionor under any Option Contract,  Borrower shall execute and
deliver to Agent,  Mortgages of all Lots and  Residential  Units subject to such
Option  Contract.  The Mortgages  shall be in form  satisfactory to Agent. It is
understood  by the parties that the forms of Mortgages and  amendments  thereto,
may vary on a state by state basis.

         10.2. Title Insurance or Commitment.  On the Effective Date,  Borrower,
at its sole cost and  expense,  shall cause to be delivered to Agent one or more
Title  Policies.  Lots and  Residential  Units for which a Title Policy is to be
issued shall be eligible for being included in the Collateral  Base upon receipt
by Agent of an irrevocable commitment by the title insurance company to promptly
issue the Title Policy or an endorsement  to the existing Title Policy  
                                       52
<PAGE>
insuring  the validity and first lien  priority,  subject only to the  Permitted
Exceptions, of the First Mortgage with respect to such Lot or Residential Unit.

         10.3. Appraisal Requirements.

                  (a) Prior to making any Guidance Loan, Agent shall obtain,  at
Borrower's sole cost and expense, and Lenders shall approve an appraisal setting
forth the as-developed bulk wholesale Appraised Value of all Lots or Real Estate
to be included in such Guidance Loan.

                  (b) Agent may from time to time, but not more  frequently than
once in any  calendar  year at the  cost of  Borrower,  during  the term of this
Agreement,  obtain appraisals  setting forth the Appraised Value of each type of
Base Plan that  Borrower  then  constructs  in the  Projects,  of each  Approved
Upgrade, and of all Lots or Real Estate subject to a Guidance Loan.

                  (c) Prior to the time that Borrower intends to include a Model
Home in the Collateral Base, Borrower shall notify Agent thereof and Agent shall
obtain,  at  Borrower's  sole cost and  expense,  and Lenders  shall  approve an
appraisal  setting  forth  the  as-is  Appraised  Value of such  Model  Home for
purposes of inclusion in the Collateral Base.

                  (d) Borrower and its Affiliates  shall not employ or otherwise
engage or contact  any  Appraiser  that  prepares  an  appraisal  for any of the
Collateral.  Agent may employ a staff  appraiser or a fee appraiser.  Subject to
Section  10.3(b),  Borrower  shall  reimburse  Agent at  Agent's  cost for a fee
appraiser and at Agent's standard scheduled rates for a staff appraiser.

         10.4.  Flood Report.  As a condition  precedent to including any Lot or
Residential  Unit under a Guidance Loan or the  Construction  Line,  Agent shall
have determined, in its sole and absolute discretion,  that (a) the Real Estate,
Lot or  Residential  Unit is located in an area  designated by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development as not having special flood hazards, or (b) if the
Real Estate,  Lot or  Residential  Unit is located in an area  designated by the
Department of Housing and Urban  Development as having special flood or mudslide
hazards,  the  community in which the Real Estate,  Lot or  Residential  Unit is
located is  participating  in the National Flood Insurance  Program and Borrower
has provided to Agent evidence of satisfactory insurance.

         10.5. Releases.

                  (a) Each  Mortgage  executed and  delivered by the Borrower to
the Agent  hereunder  shall  provide  that,  so long as no Event of  Default  or
Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Agent shall execute
and deliver,  or cause the trustee to execute and deliver,  partial  releases of
liens so that the  purchasers  may  obtain  title  to any  Real  Estate,  Lot or
Residential Unit free and clear of the applicable  First Mortgage.  The delivery
of such releases will be made to escrow agents  satisfactory  to Agent to insure
that,  upon the close of the sale of 
                                       53
<PAGE>
any Real Estate,  Lot or  Residential  Unit,  the agreed  release price or Total
Draws for such Real Estate,  Lot or Residential Unit is transmitted  directly to
Agent from each closing for repayment of Advances  hereunder.  The release price
for any Real Estate shall be agreed upon by Lenders and  Borrower in  connection
with each Guidance Loan and included in the Guidance Loan Addendum;  the release
price  for each Lot  shall be the Lot  Release  Price or Lot  Option  Price,  as
applicable;  and the release price for each Residential Unit shall be the amount
of the Total Draws made with respect to the Residential Unit to be released.  At
the first Advance after Borrower includes any Lot subject to a First Mortgage in
the Collateral Base,  Lenders shall make an Advance under the Construction  Line
in the amount of the  applicable  Lot Release Price which will be applied to the
outstanding principal balance of the Guidance Loan with respect to such Lot.

                  (b) In addition,  from time to time upon  Borrower's  request,
Agent will  release  its lien on any unsold  Unit or Model  Home  designated  by
Borrower concurrent with receipt of payment of the Total Draws made with respect
to such  Residential  Unit.  Agent  shall  have no  obligation  to  release  any
Residential Unit from the lien of the First Mortgage if there exists an Event of
Default or an Unmatured Default; provided, however, that Agent shall release the
lien of its  First  Mortgage  after the  occurrence  of an Event of  Default  or
Unmatured  Default on any  Presold  to be  conveyed  to a bona fide third  party
purchaser under a Purchase Contract entered into prior to the occurrence of said
Event of Default or Unmatured  Default if Agent receives all of the Net Proceeds
payable to Borrower  upon such sale and the Net Proceeds  exceed the Total Draws
made with respect to such Residential Unit.


11. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         The entities  comprising the Borrower  jointly and severally  represent
and warrant to each of the Lenders that:

         11.1.  Organization,  Powers,  etc.  Each Borrower (i) is a corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of its
state of incorporation,  (ii) has the corporate power and corporate authority to
own or hold  the  properties  it  purports  to own or hold  and to  carry on its
business  as now  conducted,  (iii) is duly  qualified  or  licensed to transact
business in every  jurisdiction  in which such  qualification  or  licensing  is
necessary  to enable  it to  enforce  all of its  material  contracts  and other
material rights and to avoid any material penalty or forfeiture,  or the failure
to so qualify or be licensed would otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect.

         11.2. Authorization and Validity of this Agreement.  etc. Each Borrower
has the  corporate  power and  corporate  authority  to execute and deliver this
Agreement,  the  Notes and the  other  Loan  Documents  and to  perform  all its
obligations hereunder and thereunder.  The execution and delivery by each of the
entities comprising the Borrower of this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan
Documents and the performance by the Borrower of all its  obligations  
                                       54
<PAGE>
hereunder and  thereunder and any and all actions taken by the Borrower (i) have
been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action, (ii) will not violate or
be in conflict with (a) any provisions of law  (including,  without  limitation,
any applicable  usury or similar law), (b) any order,  rule,  regulation,  writ,
judgment,  injunction,  decree  or  award  of  any  court  or  other  agency  of
government, or (c) any provision of its certificate or articles of incorporation
or by-laws,  (iii) will not violate,  be in conflict with, result in a breach of
or constitute  (with or without the giving of notice and/or the passage of time)
a default under any material  indenture,  agreement or other instrument to which
it is a party or by which it or any of its  properties  or  assets  is or may be
bound,  and (iv) except as otherwise  contemplated by this  Agreement,  will not
result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon, or
any security interest in, any of its properties or assets.  This Agreement,  the
Notes and the other Loan  Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the
Borrower.  The Loan Documents constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower  enforceable  against the Borrower in accordance  with their terms,
except as  enforceability  may be limited by  bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar
laws  affecting  the  enforcement  of  creditors'  rights  generally and general
principles of equity.

         11.3. Financial Statements.

                  (a) Borrower has provided to the Lenders the combined  balance
sheet of the Obligated  Group and its  Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and
the related combined statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the year ended on that date,  audited and reported upon by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP,   independent   certified  public   accountants  (the  "Audited   Financial
Statements").  The  Audited  Financial  Statement  and  the  related  notes  and
schedules  (if any) (i) were  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP  consistently
applied throughout the respective  periods covered thereby,  (ii) present fairly
the combined financial  condition of the Obligated Group and its Subsidiaries as
of the respective dates thereof, (iii) show all material Liabilities,  direct or
contingent,  of the  Obligated  Group  and its  Subsidiaries  as of those  dates
(including, without limitation, Liabilities for taxes and material commitments),
and (iv) present  fairly the combined  results of  operations  of the  Obligated
Group and its Subsidiaries for the respective periods covered thereby.

                  (b) Borrower has provided to the Lenders the combined  balance
sheet of the Obligated Group and its  Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996, and
the related combined statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for  the  9-month   period  ended  on  that  date  (the   "Unaudited   Financial
Statements").  The Unaudited Financial Statement (i) were prepared in accordance
with  GAAP  consistently  applied  throughout  the  respective  periods  covered
thereby,  (ii) present fairly the combined financial  condition of the Obligated
Group and its  Subsidiaries as of the respective  dates thereof,  (iii) show all
material  Liabilities,  direct or  contingent,  of the  Obligated  Group and its
Subsidiaries as of those dates (including,  without limitation,  Liabilities for
taxes and material commitments), and (iv) present fairly the combined results of
operations  of the  Obligated  Group  and its  Subsidiaries  for the  respective
periods covered thereby.
                                       55
<PAGE>
         11.4.  No  Material  Adverse  Effect.  Since  the  date of the  Audited
Financial Statements,  no Event has occurred that has had or could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are no material unrealized or
expected losses in connection with loans,  advances and other commitments of the
Borrower.

         11.5. Title to Properties. Exhibit "F" attached hereto and incorporated
herein by this  reference,  contains a complete  and  accurate  list of all Real
Estate  owned by the  Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  except  those  properties
acquired or disposed of by the Borrower or its  Subsidiaries  after November 30,
1996 in the ordinary course of business.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have
good and  marketable  fee title to such Real Estate and to all the other  assets
owned by them and either  reflected on the balance  sheet and related  notes and
schedules  most  recently  delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders (the "Recent
Balance  Sheet") or  acquired by them after the date of that  balance  sheet and
prior to the Effective Date,  except for those  properties and assets which have
been  disposed  of since the date of that  balance  sheet or which no longer are
used or useful in the conduct of their business.  All such Real Estate and other
assets  owned by the  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  are free and clear of all
Mortgages, pledges, liens, charges and other encumbrances,  except for the liens
and security interests of Agent hereunder.

         11.6. Litigation.  There is no action, suit,  proceeding,  arbitration,
inquiry or investigation  (whether or not purportedly on behalf of the Borrower)
pending or, to the best knowledge of Borrower,  threatened  against or affecting
the Borrower or any of the  Subsidiaries  which could  reasonably be expected to
have a Material  Adverse Effect.  The Borrower is not in default with respect to
any  final  judgment,  writ,  injunction,  decree,  rule  or  regulation  of any
Governmental Agency, which default would or could have a Material Adverse Effect
on the  Borrower.  The  Borrower  has no  material  contingent  obligations  not
provided for or disclosed in the Audited Financial Statements.

         11.7.  Payment of Taxes.  Borrower and its Subsidiaries  have filed all
federal,  state and local tax  returns  with  respect to the  operations  of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries which are required to be filed,  including federal
tax returns for the fiscal year ended  December 31,  1995,  and all prior fiscal
years of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  except where extensions of time to
make those filings have been granted by the appropriate  taxing  authorities and
the extensions  have not expired.  The Borrower has paid or caused to be paid to
the  appropriate  taxing  authorities all taxes as shown on those returns and on
any  assessment  received  by any of them,  to the extent  that those taxes have
become  due,  except  for taxes the  failure  to pay  which do not  violate  the
provisions of Section 12.3 hereof.

         11.8. Agreements. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to
any agreement or  instrument  or is subject to any charter or other  restriction
that could  reasonably  be  expected  to have a Material  Adverse  Effect on it.
Neither  the  Borrower  nor  any  Subsidiary  is  in  material  default  in  the
performance,  observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations,  covenants or
                                       56
<PAGE>
conditions  contained in any material  agreement or  instrument to which it is a
party and consummation of the transactions  will not cause any Borrower to be in
material default thereof.

         11.9. Foreign Direct Investment Regulations.  Neither the making of the
Advances nor the repayment thereof nor any other transaction contemplated hereby
will involve or  constitute a violation by the Borrower of any  provision of the
Foreign  Direct  Investment  Regulations  of the  United  States  Department  of
Commerce or of any license,  ruling,  order,  or  direction of the  Secretary of
Commerce thereunder.

         11.10. Federal Reserve Regulations.

                  (a) The Borrower is not engaged principally,  or as one of its
important  activities,  in the business of  extending  credit for the purpose of
purchasing  or carrying any margin stock  (within the meaning of Regulation U or
Regulation  X of the Board of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System of the
United States).  Margin stock (as defined in Regulation U) constitutes less than
25% of those assets of the Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  which are subject to
any limitation on sale, pledge, or other restriction hereunder.

                  (b) No part of the  proceeds  of any of the  Advances  will be
used to purchase or carry any such  margin  stock or to extend  credit to others
for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock. If requested by
the Lenders, the Borrower shall furnish to the Lenders a statement in conformity
with the requirements of Federal Reserve Form U-1 referred to in Regulation U of
said Board of  Governors.  No part of the proceeds of the Advances or any Letter
of Credit will be used for any purpose that violates,  or which is  inconsistent
with, the provisions of Regulation X of said Board of Governors.

         11.11.   Consents,   etc.  No  order,   license,   consent,   approval,
authorization  of, or  registration,  declaration,  recording or filing with, or
validation  of, or  exemption  by, any  Governmental  Authority  is  required in
connection  with, or as a condition  precedent to, the due and valid  execution,
delivery and performance by Borrower of this  Agreement,  the Notes or the other
Loan Documents, or the legality,  validity,  binding effect or enforceability of
any of the respective  terms,  provisions or conditions  thereof.  To the extent
that  any  franchises,  licenses,  certificates,  authorizations,  approvals  or
consents  from any  Governmental  Authority  are required  for the  acquisition,
ownership,  operation or  maintenance  by the Borrower of properties  now owned,
operated  or  maintained  by  it,  those  franchises,   licenses,  certificates,
authorizations,  approvals and consents have been validly  granted,  are in full
force and effect and constitute valid and sufficient authorization therefor.

         11.12.   Compliance  with   Applicable   Laws.  The  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries  are  in  compliance  with  and  conform  to  all  statutes,  laws,
ordinances,  rules,  regulations,  orders,  restrictions  and  all  other  legal
requirements of any Governmental  Authority having jurisdiction over the conduct
of their respective businesses or the ownership of their respective  properties,
the 
                                       57
<PAGE>
violation  of which would have a Material  Adverse  Effect,  including,  without
limitation,  regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
and the Federal  Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. Neither the Borrower
nor any Subsidiary has received any notice to the effect that its operations are
not in material  compliance with any of the requirements of applicable  federal,
state and local environmental, health and safety statutes and regulations or the
subject of any federal or state  investigation  evaluating  whether any remedial
action is needed to  respond  to a release  of any toxic or  hazardous  waste or
substance into the environment.

         11.13.  Relationship  of the  Borrower.  The  entities  comprising  the
Borrower  are  engaged  as an  integrated  group  in  the  business  of  owning,
developing and selling Real Estate,  Lots and Residential Units and of providing
the  required  services,  credit  and  other  facilities  for  those  integrated
operations.  The Borrower  requires  financing on such a basis that funds can be
made available from time to time to such  entities,  to the extent  required for
the continued successful operation of their integrated operations.  The Advances
to be made to the Borrower under this Agreement are for the purpose of financing
the integrated  operations of the Borrower,  and each of the entities comprising
the  Borrower  expects  to derive  benefit,  directly  or  indirectly,  from the
Advances,  both individually and as a member of the integrated group,  since the
financial  success of the  operations  of each  Borrower is  dependent  upon the
continued successful performance of the integrated group as a whole.

         11.14.  Subsidiaries.  Exhibit  "G"  attached  hereto and  incorporated
herein  by  this  reference,  contains  a  complete  and  accurate  list  of all
Subsidiaries,  including (a) its state of  incorporation  or formation,  (b) all
jurisdictions  (if any) in which  it is  qualified  to  transact  business  as a
foreign Person, (c) the number of units of beneficial interest outstanding, and,
(d) the number and  percentage  of those units of beneficial  interest  owned by
each Borrower and/or by any other  Subsidiary.  All the  outstanding  beneficial
interests of each Subsidiary are validly issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable.
All of the  beneficial  interests of each  Subsidiary  owned by the Borrower are
owned free and clear of all liens, pledges, security interests,  equity or other
beneficial interests,  charges and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever.  None of
the entities  comprising the Borrower owns of record or beneficially  any shares
of the capital stock of any corporation  (other than the  Subsidiaries)  that is
not a Borrower.

         11.15.  ERISA.  The Borrower is not executing or delivering  any of the
Loan  Documents or entering into any of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,
directly or indirectly,  in connection with any arrangement or  understanding in
any respect  involving  any  "employee  benefit  plan" with respect to which the
Borrower is a "party in interest" within the meaning of the Employee  Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, or a "disqualified  person",  within the meaning of
the Internal Revenue Code 1986, as amended.  No Unfunded  Liabilities exist with
respect  to any  Single  Employer  Plans.  Each Plan  complies  in all  material
respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations,  no Reportable
Event has occurred with respect to any Plan,  neither the Borrower nor any other
members of the Controlled  Group has withdrawn from any Plan or initiated  steps
to do so, and no steps have been taken to reorganize or terminate any Plan.
                                       58
<PAGE>
         11.16.  Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
thereof is an "investment  company" or a company  "controlled" by an "investment
company", within the meaning of The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         11.17. Public Utility Holding Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary  is a  "holding  company"  or a  "subsidiary  company"  of a "holding
company",  or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company"
of a "holding company", within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company
Act of 1935, as amended.

         11.18.   Subordinated   Debt.   The   Obligations   constitute   senior
indebtedness  which is entitled to the benefits of the subordination  provisions
of all outstanding Subordinated Debt.

         11.19.  Post-Retirement Benefits. Borrower and its Subsidiaries have no
obligation  to  pay  post-retirement  medical  and  insurance  benefits  to  its
employees and former employees

         11.20. INTENTIONALLY DELETED.

         11.21.  Environmental  Representations.  To the best of the  Borrower's
knowledge and belief, no Hazardous  Substances in violation of any Environmental
Laws are present upon any of the Real Estate, Lots or Residential Units owned by
Borrower or any of the  Collateral  which are encumbered by any Mortgage held by
Borrower, and the Borrower has not received any notice to the effect that any of
the  Real  Estate,  Lots or  Residential  Units  owned  by  Borrower  or any its
operations  are not in  compliance  with any of the  requirements  of applicable
Environmental  Laws or are the  subject of any  federal  or state  investigation
evaluating  whether  any  remediation  is needed to  respond to a release of any
Hazardous  Substance  into the  environment  which,  in  either  case,  could be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         11.22. No  Misrepresentation.  No representation or warranty  contained
herein or made hereunder and no certificate,  schedule, exhibit, report or other
document  provided  or  to be  provided  in  connection  with  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby  (including,  without  limitation,  the  negotiation of and
compliance with the Loan Documents) contains or will contain a misstatement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated  therein in
order  to  make  the  statements   contained  therein,   in  the  light  of  the
circumstances under which made, not misleading.
                                       59
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12. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower  covenants and agrees that from the  Effective  Date until
payment in full of all the  Obligations  and the  termination  of all Letters of
Credit and Commitments of Lenders, the Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to:

         12.1. Existence,  Properties, etc. Do or cause to be done all things or
proceed  with due  diligence  with any actions or courses of action which may be
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence  under the
laws of their  respective  states of  incorporation  and all  qualifications  or
licenses in jurisdictions  in which such  qualification or licensing is required
for the  conduct of its  business  or in which the Lenders  shall  request  such
qualification;  provided,  however,  that  nothing  herein  shall be  deemed  to
prohibit any  Borrower  from (i) merging  into or  consolidating  with any other
Borrower or (ii) consummating the Merger. The Borrower will, and will cause each
Subsidiary  to,  carry on and conduct its  business  in  substantially  the same
manner and in  substantially  the same fields of  enterprise  as it is presently
conducted and maintain all  requisite  authority to conduct its business in each
jurisdiction  in which its business is  conducted.  The primary  business of the
Borrower  and  the   Subsidiaries   shall  at  all  times  be  the  acquisition,
development, management, rental and/or sale of real estate assets.

         12.2.  Notice.  Give  prompt  written  notice  to the  Agent of (i) any
proceeding  instituted by or against the Borrower or any of the  Subsidiaries by
any Governmental Authority, which, if adversely determined,  could reasonably be
expected to have a Material  Adverse Effect on the Borrower,  and (ii) any other
Event which may lead to or result in a Material  Adverse Effect on the Borrower,
or which, with or without the giving of notice and/or the passage of time, would
constitute an event of default or a default under any material  agreement  other
than  this  Agreement  to which the  Borrower  is a party or by which any of its
properties or assets is or may be bound.

         12.3.  Payments of Debts, Taxes, etc. Pay all its debts and perform all
its obligations  promptly and in accordance  with the respective  terms thereof,
and pay and  discharge  or cause to be paid and  discharged  promptly all taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower or upon
its  incomes or  receipts  or upon any of its  properties  before the same shall
become in default or past due, as well as all lawful claims for labor, materials
and supplies or otherwise which, if unpaid,  might result in the imposition of a
lien or charge upon such properties or any part thereof; provided, however, that
it shall not  constitute a violation of the  provisions  of this Section 12.3 if
the Borrower  shall fail to perform any such  obligation or fail to pay any such
debt (except for obligations for money borrowed), tax, assessment,  governmental
charge  or levy or  claim  for  labor,  materials  or  supplies  which  is being
contested in good faith in a normal and customary manner (including  litigation,
if appropriate,) and diligently pursued,  and as to which adequate reserves have
been provided in accordance  with GAAP.  Borrower  acknowledges  and agrees that
upon the  occurrence of an Unmatured  Default or Event of Default and during the
continuance  thereof,  Borrower  shall make,  when  required  by Agent,  
                                       60
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monthly  deposits into an account with Norwest which account shall be subject to
the control of Agent, of a sum equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of the yearly taxes
and assessments which may be levied against the Projects or Borrower, including,
without  limitation,  any sales or use taxes in any state,  and local privilege,
sales, use or excise taxes based on gross revenues and the annual  premiums,  to
become due for all insurance  policies  required  hereunder.  The amount of such
taxes,  assessment and premiums,  when unknown, shall be estimated by Agent. Any
insufficiency  of such account to pay such charges as aforesaid shall be paid by
Borrower to Agent on demand

         12.4.  Accounts and Reports.  Maintain a standard  system of accounting
established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and provide to the Lenders
the following:

                  (a) as soon as  available  and in any  event  within  120 days
after the end of each fiscal year of the  Borrower  (commencing  with the fiscal
year ending December 31, 1996),  combined (prior to the Merger) and consolidated
(after the Merger) and  consolidating  balance sheets of the Obligated Group and
its Subsidiaries as of the end of that fiscal year and the related  consolidated
and consolidating  statements of earnings,  stockholders'  equity and cash flows
for that fiscal year, all with accompanying notes and schedules,  setting forth,
in each case, in comparative form, the  corresponding  figures for the preceding
year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied  and  audited  and  reported  upon by KPMG Peat  Marwick  LLP or another
national firm of independent certified public accountants of recognized standing
selected by the  Borrower  and  reasonably  acceptable  to the Agent (such audit
report shall be  unqualified  except for  qualifications  relating to changes in
GAAP and required by the Borrower's independent certified public accountants);

                  (b) Prior to the Merger, as soon as available and in any event
within 30 days after the end of each month of Borrower's fiscal year (commencing
with the  month  ending  October  31,  1996),  combined  balance  sheets  of the
Obligated  Group  and  its  Subsidiaries,  the  related  combined  statement  of
stockholders' equity of the Obligated Group and its Subsidiaries,  as of the end
of that month,  and for the period from the  beginning of the fiscal year to the
end of that  month,  setting  forth,  in each case,  in  comparative  form,  the
corresponding  figures for the  preceding  year,  all in  reasonable  detail and
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently  applied,  unaudited but certified
to be true and accurate,  subject to normal year-end audit  adjustments,  by the
chief financial officer of each member of the Obligated Group;

                  (c) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after
the end of each quarter of Borrower's  fiscal year  (commencing with the quarter
ending  September  30,  1996),  combined  (and after the  Merger,  consolidated)
balance sheets of the Obligated Group and its Subsidiaries, the related combined
(and after the Merger,  consolidating)  statement of stockholders' equity of the
Obligated  Group and its  Subsidiaries,  as of the end of that quarter,  and the
related  consolidating  statements  of earnings and cash flows of the  Obligated
Group  and its  Subsidiaries  for  that  quarter  and for the  period  from  the
beginning of the fiscal year to the end of 
                                       61
<PAGE>
that  quarter,   setting  forth,   in  each  case,  in  comparative   form,  the
corresponding  figures for the  preceding  year,  all in  reasonable  detail and
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently  applied,  unaudited but certified
to be true and accurate,  subject to normal year-end audit  adjustments,  by the
chief financial officer of each member of the Obligated Group;

                  (d) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements
described  in  subsections  (b) and  (c)  above,  a  certificate  signed  by the
President or Executive  Vice President and the Chief  Financial  Officer of each
member of the Obligated  Group to the effect that,  having read this  Agreement,
and based upon an  examination  which they deemed  sufficient  to enable them to
make an  informed  statement,  there  does not  exist any  Event of  Default  or
Unmatured  Default,  or if such  Event  of  Default  or  Unmatured  Default  has
occurred, specifying the facts with respect thereto;

                  (e) as soon as available and in any event within 30 days after
the end of each calendar month of Borrower's  fiscal year  (commencing  with the
month ending  November 30, 1996), a monthly sales report of all activity  during
the  preceding  calendar  month,  in the form  presently  provided to Lenders in
connection  with the  Existing  Loans,  or as otherwise  reasonably  required by
Agent;

                  (f) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after
the end of each calendar quarter of Borrower's  fiscal year (commencing with the
calendar quarter ending September 30, 1996) a schedule of all Real Estate,  Lots
and Residential Units owned by the Borrower by Project;

                  (g) within 60 days prior to each fiscal  year of the  Borrower
(commencing  with the fiscal year  beginning  January 1, 1998) a projection,  in
reasonable  detail and in form and  substance  satisfactory  to the Agent,  on a
quarterly  basis of the cash flow and of the earnings of the Obligated Group for
such fiscal year, together with gross and net margin analysis of each Project by
quarter;

                  (h) as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after
the end of each quarter of Borrower's  fiscal year  (commencing with the quarter
ending March 31, 1997), a copy of the Obligated Group's quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

                  (i) as soon as  available  and in any  event  within  120 days
after the end of Borrower's  fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1996),  a copy of the Obligated  Group's annual report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities Exchange Commission;

                  (j)  within  forty-eight  (48)  hours  after  filing  with the
Securities Exchange Commission, a copy of any report filed on Form 8K;
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<PAGE>
                  (k) except as otherwise  provided in subsections  (h), (i) and
(j) above, promptly upon becoming available, copies of all financial statements,
reports,  notices and proxy statements sent by any number of the Obligated Group
to its stockholders,  and of all regular and periodic reports and other material
(including  copies  of  all  registration   statements  and  reports  under  the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) filed by any number of the Obligated Group with any securities exchange
or  any  Governmental   Authority,   except  material  filed  with  Governmental
Authorities  relating to the  development of Lots and  Residential  Units in the
ordinary  course of the business of the Borrower and which does not disclose any
Material Adverse Effect on the affairs of the Borrower;

                  (l) On or before fifteen (15) days after filing, a copy of the
Obligated  Group's  annual  federal  corporate  income tax return,  and, if such
federal corporate income tax return is not filed on or before April 15, then, on
or before May 1, a copy of the Request for Extension Form, as filed.

                  (m) as soon as possible  and in any event within ten (10) days
after the Borrower knows that any Reportable  Event has occurred with respect to
any Plan, a statement,  signed by the Chief  Financial  Officer of the Borrower,
describing  said Reportable  Event and the action that the Borrower  proposes to
take with respect thereto;

                  (n) as soon as possible  and in any event within ten (10) days
after receipt by the  Borrower,  a copy of (a) any notice or claim to the effect
that the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  is or may be liable to any Person
as a result of the  release by the  Borrower,  any of its  Subsidiaries,  or any
other Person of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the  environment,
and (b) any  notice  alleging  any  violation  of any  federal,  state  or local
environmental, health or safety law or regulation by any member of the Obligated
Group or any of its  Subsidiaries,  that,  in either case,  could  reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (o) promptly  upon the request of the Agent or any Lender,  an
accurate legal  description of any Real Estate of Lots included under a Guidance
Loan or any Units included in the calculation of the Collateral Base;

                  (p)  such  supplements  to the  aforementioned  documents  and
additional information (including,  without limitation,  leasing,  occupancy and
non-financial  information) and reports as the Agent or any Lender may from time
to time reasonably require;

         12.5.  Access to Premises and Records.  At all reasonable  times during
normal business hours and as often as any Lender may reasonably request,  permit
authorized  representatives  and agents  designated  by that  Lender to (i) have
access  to the  premises  of the  Borrower  and  each  Subsidiary  and to  their
respective corporate books and financial records, and all other records relating
to their respective  operations and procedures,  (ii) make copies of or excerpts
from those 
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<PAGE>
books and records and (iii) upon reasonable notice to the Borrower,  discuss the
respective affairs,  finances and operations of the Obligated Group with, and to
be advised as to the same by, their respective officers and directors.

         12.6.  Maintenance  of  Properties  and  Insurance.  Maintain  all  its
properties and assets in good working order and condition and make all necessary
repairs,  renewals and  replacements  thereof so that its business carried on in
connection  therewith  may be properly  conducted at all times;  and maintain or
require to be  maintained  at its expense,  and furnish to Agent (i) a policy or
policies of comprehensive general liability insurance with coverage in an amount
not less than  $1,000,000  per  occurrence  and  $2,000,000  general  aggregate,
together with "umbrella"  excess liability  insurance in an amount not less than
$5,000,000  (and  during any period of  development  or work upon the  Property,
contractor's and independent  contractor's  liability and workers'  compensation
insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000) to protect Lenders and Borrower
against  liability for personal injury and property damage,  including  coverage
for  contractual  liability,  employees  (to the extent not  covered by workers'
compensation   insurance),   and  underground  property  damage,  and  completed
operations;  (ii) flood insurance  acceptable to Agent,  unless Agent shall have
received  satisfactory  evidence,  which may be in the form of a letter from the
appropriate agent of the National Flood Insurance  Association or an appropriate
Governmental  Authority  that no  portion  of the  Project is located in an area
designated by the Secretary of Housing and Urban  Development  as having special
flood hazards;  (iii) a so-called  Builder's Risk Completed  Value  nonreporting
form of policy,  with an ISO special form or other form that provides equivalent
or better coverage  attached and endorsements to cover  demolition  expenses and
increased cost of development/construction for one hundred percent (100%) of the
insurable  replacement  value of the Project without reduction for depreciation;
(iv)  workers'  compensation  insurance  as required by law;  and (v) such other
insurance as Agent shall  reasonably  require.  Each such insurance policy shall
have premiums  prepaid through one quarter of one year from the date hereof (and
thereafter  Borrower shall prepay one quarter of one year's premium  quarterly),
be with  companies  satisfactory  to Agent with such other  coverage and in such
amounts as Agent may  request,  contain  the New York  Standard  Noncontributory
Mortgagee clause or an equivalent  mortgagee's  loss payable clause  appropriate
for the type of policy and  satisfactory  to Agent,  and be endorsed in favor of
Agent and  provide  that it may not be  canceled or amended by any party for any
reason whatsoever  without first giving Agent at least thirty (30) calendar days
prior written notice of any proposed cancellation or amendment.

         12.7.  Compliance with Applicable Laws. Promptly and fully comply with,
conform to and obey all present and future laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
orders,  writs,  judgments,  injunctions,  decrees,  awards and all other  legal
requirements  applicable to the Borrower,  its Subsidiaries and their respective
properties,  including  Regulation  Z of the Board of  Governors  of the Federal
Reserve System and the Federal  Interstate  Land Sales Full  Disclosure Act, the
violation of which would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower.
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<PAGE>
         12.8.  Change in  Collateral.  Give the Agent  immediate  notice of any
material change in the status of the Collateral.

         12.9.  Use of  Proceeds.  Use  the  proceeds  of the  Advances  for the
purposes provided herein and for no other purposes.


13. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower  covenants and agrees that from the  Effective  Date until
payment in full of all the  Obligations and termination of all Letters of Credit
and Commitment of Lender,  unless the Lenders otherwise shall consent in writing
as  provided in Section  17.1  hereof,  Borrower  will not,  either  directly or
indirectly:

         13.1.  Minimum  Adjusted  Tangible Net Worth.  Permit the  consolidated
Adjusted  Tangible Net Worth of the Obligated Group  determined as of the end of
each quarter of Borrower's fiscal year to be less than the sum of (a) $7,000,000
prior to the Merger and $25,000,000 after the Merger and (b) fifty percent (50%)
of  Consolidated  Net Income for each  fiscal  quarter  of the  Obligated  Group
(commencing with Borrower's fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1997 and ending with
the fiscal quarter  immediately  preceding the date of  determination)  in which
Consolidated  Net Income is positive  (without  offset for any fiscal quarter in
which the Obligated  Group's  Consolidated Net Income is negative).  MHA II, and
Monterey  Homes  Arizona,  Inc. and Monterey  Homes Arizona I, Inc.,  after each
assumes the Obligations of the Borrower  hereunder,  shall advance to MHC II, or
Monterey  Homes  Construction,  Inc. and Monterey  Homes  Construction  I, Inc.,
respectively,  after each assumes the Obligations of the Borrower hereunder, all
of the quarterly Net Income attributable to MHA II, Monterey Homes Arizona, Inc.
and Monterey Homes Arizona I, Inc. as Subordinated  Debt in a form  satisfactory
to Agent.

         13.2. Minimum Liquidity.  Permit the unrestricted cash and unrestricted
Cash  Equivalents of the Obligated  Group,  plus the restricted Cash Equivalents
subject to any Securities  Pledge Agreement,  plus the available  (assuming that
all  conditions  to such Advances have been  satisfied),  but undrawn,  Advances
under  the  Construction  Line,  determined  as of the  end of each  quarter  of
Borrower's fiscal year, to be less than (a) prior to the Merger, $1,000,000, and
(b) after the Merger, the greater of (i) the then outstanding  principal balance
of the Term Loan or (ii) $2,000,000.

         13.3.  Maximum Leverage.  Permit the ratio of (a) the Obligated Group's
consolidated  Liabilities,  minus Subordinated Debt to (b) Adjusted Tangible Net
Worth, to be greater than 5.0 to 1.0 prior to the Merger, and, after the Merger,
to be greater than 2.5 to 1.0 as of the end of the first three  fiscal  quarters
of each fiscal year of Borrower and to be greater than 2.25 to 1.0 as of the end
of the fourth fiscal  quarter of each fiscal year of Borrower,  determined as of
the end of each fiscal quarter of Borrower's fiscal year.
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<PAGE>
         13.4. Minimum Debt Coverage.  Permit the ratio of the Obligated Group's
consolidated  EBITDA  to total  interest  incurred,  to be less than 1.5 to 1.0,
determined as of the end of each fiscal  quarter of  Borrower's  fiscal year for
the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters.

         13.5.  Guaranties.  Make or suffer to exist any  Contingent  Obligation
(including,  without limitation,  any Contingent  Obligation with respect to the
obligations of a Subsidiary or joint venture) or otherwise assume,  guarantee or
in any way become  contingently  liable or  responsible  for  obligations of any
other Person,  whether by agreement to purchase  those  obligations of any other
Person,  or by agreement  for the  furnishing  of funds  through the purchase of
goods,  supplies  or  services  (whether  by  way  of  stock  purchase,  capital
contribution,  advance  or loan) for the  purpose of paying or  discharging  the
obligations  of any other Person,  except for: (a)  guaranties of obligations of
another Borrower issued in the ordinary course of business;  (b) the endorsement
of negotiable instruments in the ordinary course of business; and (c) guaranties
of performance  and completion and  performance  and completion  bonds issued in
connection  with the  development  and  construction  of Real  Estate,  Lots and
Residential Units owned by the Borrower.

         13.6. Sale of Assets; Acquisitions; Merger.

                  (a) Do either of the following:

                           (i) sell any single asset that is  Collateral  with a
book value of $1,000,000 or more or

                           (ii) sell or dispose of assets with an aggregate book
value of $5,000,000 or more,  other than in the ordinary course of business,  in
any single calendar year unless approved in connection with any Guidance Loan.

                  (b) Do any of the following:

                           (i)  sell,  assign,  lease or  otherwise  dispose  of
(whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially
all of the assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) of any member of the
Obligated Group and the Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis);

                           (ii) merge into or consolidate  with any other Person
or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, except pursuant
to the Merger or where such member of the Obligated  Group will be the surviving
entity and the then existing  management  of such member of the Obligated  Group
will continue to control the management and operations of the merged entity,  or
as otherwise provided in Section 13.6(a) above; or

                           (iii) dissolve,  liquidate or wind up its business by
operation of law or otherwise.
                                       66
<PAGE>
                  (c)  Engage  in  any  business  other  than  the  acquisition,
development, management, rental and/or sale of residential real estate assets.

         Nothing  contained in this Section 13.6,  however,  shall  restrict any
sale of  assets  between  the  entities  comprising  the  Borrower  which  is in
compliance with all other provisions of this Agreement.

         13.7. INTENTIONALLY DELETED

         13.8.  Dividends and  Distributions.  Declare or pay any dividends with
respect  to the  Borrower's  capital  stock or apply  any of its  assets  to the
purchase,  redemption  or other  retirement  of,  or set  apart  any sum for the
payment of, or make any  distribution  by  reduction  of capital or otherwise in
respect of, any of the shares of the Borrower's capital stock.

         13.9.  Subordinated  Debt.  Directly or indirectly  make any payment of
principal or interest  with respect to any  Subordinated  Debt prior to the date
the same is due,  or amend or modify the terms of any  Subordinated  Debt except
for  extensions  of the due date  thereof,  or  directly or  indirectly  redeem,
retire, defease, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Subordinated Debt.

         13.10.  Construction in Progress.  Cause, suffer or permit to exist any
Mortgage,  security interest or other encumbrance to secure  Indebtedness on any
Residential  Unit  financed by the Loans,  except the Mortgage in favor of Agent
and the Permitted Exceptions.

         13.11.  No Margin  Stock.  Use any of the  proceeds of the  Advances to
purchase or carry any "margin stock" (as defined in Regulation U).

         13.12.  Transactions  with  Affiliates.   Enter  into  any  transaction
(including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of any property or service)
with, or make any payment or transfer to, any Affiliate,  except in the ordinary
course of business and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Borrower's
or a Subsidiary's  business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable
to the Borrower or such Subsidiary  than the Borrower or such  Subsidiary  would
obtain in a comparable arms-length transaction.


14. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

         14.1. Events of Default. It is an Event of default hereunder ("Event of
Default") if:

                  (a) any  representation  or warranty made or deemed made by or
on behalf of the  Borrower to the  Lenders or the Agent  under or in  connection
with this  Agreement  shall be false or misleading in any material  respect when
made:
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<PAGE>
                  (b) any  report,  certificate,  financial  statement  or other
document or instrument  furnished in connection with this Agreement or the Loans
hereunder shall be false or misleading in any material respect when furnished;

                  (c) default  shall be made in the payment of (i) the principal
of any of the Notes when and as due and payable,  or (ii) the interest on any of
the Notes, any fees or any other sums due pursuant to the Loan Documents, within
five (5) days after the same becomes due and payable;

                  (d) default shall be made with respect to any  Indebtedness or
Contingent  Obligations  of any member of the  Obligated  Group  (other than the
Indebtedness  evidenced by the Notes),  or in any net Liabilities under interest
rate swap, exchange or cap agreements, beyond any applicable period of grace, or
default shall be made with respect to the  performance  of any other  obligation
incurred in connection  with any such  Indebtedness  or  Liabilities  beyond any
applicable  period of grace,  or default shall be made with respect to any other
liability  of  $1,000,000  or more,  if the  effect  of any such  default  is to
accelerate the maturity of such  Indebtedness or liability or to cause any other
liability to become due prior to its stated maturity,  or any such  Indebtedness
or  liability  shall not be paid when due and such  default  shall not have been
remedied or cured by the Borrower or waived by the obligor;

                  (e) default shall be made in the due observance or performance
of any of the provisions of Sections 12.5, 12.6 or Article 13 of this Agreement;

                  (f) default shall be made in the due observance or performance
of any other covenant,  agreement or condition on the part of the Borrower to be
performed,  and such  default  shall  continue for a period of 30 days after the
occurrence thereof;

                  (g) any member of the  Obligated  Group shall (i)  petition or
apply for,  seek,  consent to, or acquiesce in, the  appointment  of a receiver,
trustee, examiner, custodian,  liquidator or similar official of the Borrower or
any of its  properties  or  assets,  (ii) be  unable,  or admit in  writing  its
inability,  to pay its debts as they mature; (iii) make a general assignment for
the benefit of or a composition with its creditors, (iv) respect to it under the
Federal  bankruptcy  laws as now or  hereafter  in  effect,  (v)  institute  any
proceeding  seeking an order for relief under the Federal bankruptcy laws as now
or hereafter  in effect,  or file a petition or an answer  seeking  dissolution,
winding up,  liquidation or reorganization or an arrangement with creditors or a
composition of its debts or to take advantage of any bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency,  readjustment of debts, dissolution or liquidation law or statute or
other statute or law for the relief of debtors, or file any answer admitting the
material allegations of a petition filed against it in any proceeding under such
law,  or  fail  to file  an  answer  or  other  pleading  denying  the  material
allegations  of any such  proceeding  filed against it, or if corporate or other
action shall be taken by the  Borrower  for the purpose of effecting  any of the
foregoing,  or (vi) fail to contest in good faith any  appointment or proceeding
described in Section 14.1(h);
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                  (h) an order, judgment, or decree shall be entered without the
application,  approval,  or consent of the  applicable  member of the  Obligated
Group by any court of competent jurisdiction  appointing a receiver,  trustee or
liquidator  of the  applicable  member of the  Obligated  Group or a  proceeding
described  in Section  14.1(g)  shall be  instituted  against  any member of the
Obligated  Group,  and such  appointment  shall  continue  undischarged  or such
proceeding  continues  undismissed or unstayed for any period of 45 days;  

                  (i)  final  judgment  for the  payment  of money in  excess of
$1,000,000  shall be rendered  against any member of the Obligated Group and the
same shall  remain  undischarged  for a period of thirty (30) days during  which
execution shall not be effectively stayed or contested in good faith;

                  (j) final judgment(s) for the payment of money in excess of an
aggregate of $5,000,000 shall be rendered against the Obligated Group (or any of
them) after the Effective Date and shall remain undischarged for a period of ten
(10) days;

                  (k) there shall occur any Event or Events  that,  individually
or in the  aggregate,  shall be deemed  by the  Lenders  to have had a  Material
Adverse Effect;

                  (l) Any member of the Obligated  Group shall be the subject of
any proceeding or  investigation  pertaining to the release by any member of the
Obligated Group or any other Person of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance
into  the  environment,  or  any  violation  of  any  federal,  state  or  local
environmental,  health or safety law or regulation,  that, in either case, could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (m) The  occurrence of any  "default",  as defined in any Loan
Document  (other  than  this  Agreement)  or the  breach  of any of the terms or
provisions of any Loan Document  (other than this  Agreement),  which default or
breach continues beyond any period of grace therein provided;

                  (n) The  discontinuance of development work on any Project for
more than  thirty  (30)  calendar  days,  which  discontinuance  is, in the sole
determination of Agent, not caused by events outside of Borrower's  control,  or
the failure to pursue the construction of the Project with reasonable diligence;

                  (o) Any  suit  which  Agent  reasonably  determines  not to be
frivolous or spurious that shall be filed against Borrower or Guarantor,  or the
Project,  and which,  if  adversely  determined,  could in the  opinion of Agent
substantially  impair the ability of Borrower to perform any of its  obligations
under and by virtue of the Loan Documents;

                  (p) The death, incapacity or dissolution of any Guarantor; or
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                  (q) The existence of any  condition or situation  which Agent,
in its sole  discretion,  determines to constitute a danger or impairment to the
security for the Loans.

         14.2.  General  Remedies.  Upon the  occurrence of an Event of Default,
Lenders shall have all rights and remedies provided to it hereunder or under the
other Loan  Documents,  or any other  document  under  which  Borrower  shall be
obligated to Lenders,  or otherwise  provided by law, and,  without limiting the
generality  of the  foregoing,  Lenders  may do any  one  or  more  of the  acts
described  in this  Section,  under  this  Agreement  or  under  any of the Loan
Documents,  in any order it deems  appropriate.  Lenders shall have the right to
enforce  any one or  more of the  remedies  provided  hereunder  or by law or in
equity either successively or concurrently, and any such action by Lenders shall
not be deemed an election of remedies or otherwise prevent Lenders from pursuing
any further remedy it may have hereunder or at law or in equity. Any election by
Lenders  to waive or forbear  from  enforcing  any of its  rights  and  remedies
hereunder shall not prevent Lenders from so enforcing its rights and remedies in
the event that the Default  continues  or upon the  occurrence  of a  subsequent
Default.

         14.3.  Advances to Protect  Lenders'  Interests.  Without  notice to or
consent from Borrower,  Lenders shall have the right, but not the obligation, at
any  time,  to  Advance  to any  person  any sum  which  Lenders  in their  sole
discretion  deem necessary or desirable to protect or preserve the Collateral or
Lenders' assignment of, or security interest in, the Collateral (or the priority
thereof),  or to cure any Unmatured Default or Event of Default which shall then
exist.  Each such Advance  shall be secured by the  Collateral  and, at Lenders'
election,  shall either be reimbursed to it by Borrower  immediately upon demand
or added to the  balance of the Loan and bear  interest  at the rate  applicable
under the Note. It is understood and agreed that nothing herein  contained shall
obligate  Lenders to make any such Advance,  nor shall the making of one or more
such Advances  constitute an agreement by Lenders to make any further Advance or
be deemed a waiver of any  Unmatured  Default or Event of  Default  by  Borrower
under the terms hereof or of any other Loan Documents.

         14.4. Cease Funding. Without notice to or consent of Borrower,  Lenders
shall have the right upon the occurrence of an Unmatured  Default or an Event of
Default to cease making any  disbursements or Advances  hereunder or pursuant to
any of the Loan Documents.

         14.5.  Acceleration  and Increased Rate of Interest.  Without notice or
demand, except as expressly provided herein,  Lenders shall have the right, upon
the  occurrence of an Event of Default,  to accelerate the maturity of the Loans
and require immediate  payment of the entire principal sum owing,  together with
all accrued interest,  advances,  costs and Lenders' attorneys' fees. During the
existence of an Event of Default  after such  acceleration,  interest  under the
Notes shall accrue at the Default Rate.
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         14.6. Specific  Performance.  Lenders shall have the right to institute
appropriate  proceedings to  specifically  enforce  performance of the terms and
conditions of all or any of the Loan Documents.

         14.7.  Other  Remedies.  Lenders  shall have the right to exercise  any
other right,  privilege,  or remedy  available to Lenders  under any of the Loan
Documents,  under any other  agreement  or  instrument  or as may be provided by
applicable law or in equity.  Lenders shall have the right to enforce any one or
more  of  the  remedies  provided  hereunder  or  by  law  or in  equity  either
successively or concurrently, and any such action by Lenders shall not be deemed
an election of remedies or otherwise  prevent  Lenders from pursuing any further
remedy it may have hereunder or at law or in equity.

         14.8. Application of Funds. In the event that all the Obligations shall
have become or been  declared  due and payable  pursuant to the terms of Section
14.5 hereof, the Lenders agree, by and among themselves, that any funds received
from or on behalf of the  Borrower  by the Agent or any of the  Lenders  (except
funds retained by any Lender pursuant to the terms of Section 16.1 hereof) shall
be  remitted to the Agent,  if received by any Lender,  and applied by the Agent
(in the case of subsections  (c), (d) and (e) below),  on a pro rata basis among
the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares of the Aggregate
Commitment in the following manner and order:

                  (a)  first,   to  pay  to  or  reimburse  the  Agent  for  any
out-of-pocket  expenses  for  which  it is  entitled  to be paid  or  reimbursed
pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.3 hereof;

                  (b) second,  to reimburse  any of the Lenders  pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17.4 hereof;

                  (c) third,  to payment of accrued and unpaid  interest  due on
the Notes;

                  (d) fourth,  to payment of the  outstanding  principal  of the
Notes;

                  (e)  fifth,   to   payment  in  full  of  all  the   remaining
Obligations; and

                  (f) sixth,  any remainder shall be returned to the Borrower or
as otherwise required by applicable law.


15. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION

         15.1. Successors and Permitted Assigns. The terms and provisions of the
Loan  Documents  shall be binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower
and the Lenders and their respective  successors and permitted  assigns,  except
that (i) the  Borrower  shall  not  have  the  
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<PAGE>
right to assign its rights or obligations  under the Loan Documents and (ii) any
assignment  by any  Lender  must  be  made  in  compliance  with  the  Co-Lender
Agreement.

         15.2. Dissemination of Information. The Borrower authorizes each Lender
to disclose to any prospective participant or prospective purchaser or any other
Person  acquiring an interest in the Loan  Documents by operation of law any and
all information in such Lender's possession  concerning the  creditworthiness of
the members of the Obligated Group.


16. SETOFF; RATABLE PAYMENTS

         16.1.  Setoff. In addition to, and without limitation of, any rights of
the Lenders under  applicable law, if the Borrower  becomes  insolvent,  however
evidenced, or any Event of Default or Unmatured Default occurs, any indebtedness
from any  Lender  to the  Borrower  (including  all  account  balances,  whether
provisional  or final and whether or not collected or  available)  may be offset
and applied toward the payment of the Obligations owing to such Lender,  whether
or not the  Obligations,  or any part  thereof,  shall then be due.  Each Lender
agrees  promptly to notify the Borrower  after any such set-off and  application
made by such  Lender;  provided,  however,  that the failure to give such notice
shall not affect the validity of any such set-off and application. The rights of
each Lender  under this  Section  16.1 are in  addition to any other  rights and
remedies which that Lender may have under this Agreement or otherwise.

         16.2. Ratable Payments. If any Lender,  whether by setoff or otherwise,
has payment made to it upon its Loans (other than payments  received pursuant to
Sections  9.1 or 9.2) in a greater  proportion  than that  received by any other
Lender,  such Lender agrees,  promptly upon demand, to purchase a portion of the
Loans held by the other  Lenders so that after such  purchase  each  Lender will
hold its Pro Rata Share of Loans.  If any  Lender,  whether in  connection  with
setoff or  amounts  which  might be  subject  to setoff or  otherwise,  receives
collateral or other  protection for its Obligations or such amounts which may be
subject to setoff, such Lender agrees, promptly upon demand, to take such action
necessary such that all Lenders share in the benefits of such collateral ratably
in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares. In case any such payment is
disturbed by legal process, or otherwise,  appropriate further adjustments shall
be made.


17. MISCELLANEOUS

         17.1. Notice.

                  (a) Except as otherwise permitted by Article 8 with respect to
Borrowing Notices, all notices and other communications  provided for under this
Agreement  or  any  of  the  Loan  Documents  shall  be  in  writing  (including
telegraphic,  telecopy or other facsimile communication) and mailed,  telecopied
(or communicated by other means of facsimile 
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<PAGE>
transmission)  or delivered (by hand or by courier  service),  to the parties at
their respective  addresses set forth below or at such other address as shall be
designated by such party in a written notice to the other  parties.  All notices
and  communications,  shall be effective  upon the earliest of actual receipt or
the  following:  (a) in the case of delivery by United  States  mail,  three (3)
Business Days after deposit in the United States mail (postage prepaid);  (b) in
the  case  of  delivery  by  telecopy  or  other  facsimile  transmission,  upon
confirmation of error-free transmission;  (c) in the case of hand delivery, upon
actual  receipt  against  signed  acknowledgment  of receipt or an  affidavit of
delivery; and (d) in the case of delivery by overnight courier, one (1) Business
Day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service:

         To Agent and Norwest as follows:

         Norwest Bank Arizona, National Association
         3300 North Central Avenue
         M.S. 9008
         Phoenix, Arizona 85012
         Attention:        Mr. Kevin Kosan, Vice President
         FAX:     (602) 248-3661

         To BOAZ as follows:

         Bank One, Arizona, NA
         Bank One Tower
         P.O. Box 29542
         Phoenix, Arizona 85038
         Attention:        Mr. Kevin Schillig, Vice President
         FAX:     (602) 221- 0301

         or for hand delivery only:

         Bank One, Arizona, NA
         Bank One Tower
         201 North Central Avenue, Floor 20
         Phoenix, Arizona 85004
         Attention:        Mr. Kevin Schillig, Vice President
                                       73
<PAGE>
         To Borrower and its Subsidiaries as follows:

         Monterey Homes
         6613 North Scottsdale Road
         Suite 200
         Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
         Attention:        Mr. Larry W. Seay, Chief Financial Officer
         FAX:     (602) 998-9162

         To Guarantors:

         Monterey Homes
         6613 North Scottsdale Road
         Suite 200
         Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
         Attention:        Mr. William W. Cleverly
         Attention:        Mr. Steven J. Hilton
         FAX:     (602) 998-9162

                  (b) The Borrower, the Agent and any Lender may each change the
address  for  service  of  notice  upon it by a notice in  writing  to the other
parties hereto.

         17.2.   Survival  of   Representations.   All  covenants,   agreements,
representations  and warranties  made herein and in the  certificates  delivered
pursuant  hereto  shall  survive  the making by the Lenders of any Loans and the
execution and delivery to the Lenders of the Notes  evidencing the  Commitments,
and shall  continue in full force and effect until all of the  Obligations  have
been paid in full,  all of the  Letters of Credit have been  terminated  and the
Aggregate Commitment has been terminated.

         17.3.  Expenses.  The Borrower  shall pay (i) all  expenses,  including
attorneys' fees and disbursements (which attorneys may be employees of the Agent
or any  Lender),  incurred  by the Agent and any Lender in  connection  with the
administration  of this Agreement and the other Loan  Documents  (except for the
normal and  customary  administration  expenses  which are subject to a separate
letter agreement between Borrower and Agent),  any amendments,  modifications or
waivers with respect to any of the provisions  thereof and the  enforcement  and
protection  of the rights of the Lenders and the Agent under this  Agreement  or
any of the other Loan Documents, after the occurrence of an Unmatured Default or
Event of Default or if requested by Borrower,  and including costs, expenses and
fees incurred  before,  after or  irrespective  of whether suit is commenced and
including  costs,  expenses  and  fees  incurred  by  Lender  in any  bankruptcy
proceedings  (including,  without  limitation,  efforts  to modify or vacate any
automatic stay or injunction) or appellate proceeding,  and in the event suit or
arbitration is brought to enforce payment hereof, such costs,  expenses and fees
and all other issues in such suit 
                                       74
<PAGE>
shall be determined by a court sitting  without a jury or by the  arbitrator(s),
as  applicable,  including  all recording  and filing fees,  documentary  stamp,
intangibles  and similar taxes,  title  insurance  premiums,  appraisal fees and
other  costs  and  disbursements  incurred  in  connection  with the  taking  of
collateral and the perfection and preservation of the Agent's security  therein,
and (ii) the reasonable fees and the disbursements of attorneys (which attorneys
may be employees of the Agent or Lenders) in  connection  with the  preparation,
negotiation, execution, delivery and review of this Agreement, the Notes and the
other Loan  Documents  (whether  or not the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement shall be consummated) and the closing of the transactions contemplated
hereby.

         17.4.  Indemnification of the Lenders and the Agent. The Borrower shall
indemnify  and hold  harmless  the Agent and each Lender,  and their  respective
affiliates, subsidiaries,  shareholders,  directors, officers, agents, employees
and attorneys against all third Person claims,  damages,  penalties,  judgments,
Liabilities  and  expenses  (including,  without  limitation,  all  expenses  of
litigation or preparation  therefor  whether or not the Agent or any Lender is a
party thereto) which any of them may pay or incur arising out of or relating to,
directly  or  indirectly,   this  Agreement,   the  other  Loan  Documents,  the
transactions  contemplated  hereby or the  direct  or  indirect  application  or
proposed application of the proceeds of any Loan hereunder;  provided,  however,
that in no event  shall the Agent or a Lender  have the right to be  indemnified
hereunder for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The obligations of
the Borrower under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

         17.5. Release of Claims.

                  (a) As additional  consideration for the agreements by Lenders
as set forth in this Agreement,  Borrower hereby releases and forever discharges
Lenders, their agents,  servants,  employees,  directors,  officers,  attorneys,
branches,  affiliates,  subsidiaries,  successors  and assigns and all  persons,
firms,  corporations,  and organizations in their behalf of and from all damage,
loss, claims, demands,  Liabilities,  obligations,  actions and causes of action
whatsoever which Borrower may now have or claim to have against Lenders, whether
presently known or unknown, and of every nature and extent whatsoever on account
of or in any way  touching,  concerning,  arising  out of or  founded  upon  the
Existing Loans or upon this Agreement,  any negotiations,  loan  administration,
extension or denial of credit, exercise of rights and remedies,  payment, offset
with respect to, or other matter relating to such  indebtedness,  any collateral
securing payment and performance of such indebtedness, or any matter preliminary
to the execution and delivery by Borrower and Lender of this  Agreement,  or any
statement,  action,  omission  or  conduct  of  Lender  or any of its  officers,
directors, agents, employees,  servants, partners,  shareholders,  attorneys and
managers  relating  in any  manner  to  such  indebtedness,  collateral  or this
Agreement.  The release  set forth  above shall not extend to any claim  arising
after  the date  hereof  to the  extent  based on acts or  omissions  of  Lender
occurring after such date, except that such release is specifically  intended by
the  parties to include the  transactions  leading 
                                       75
<PAGE>
up to the execution of this Agreement. This Agreement and the release provisions
contained in this Section 17.5 are contractual, and not a mere recital.

                  (b) Borrower  acknowledges  and agrees that Lender is not, and
shall not be, obligated in any way to continue or undertake any loan,  financing
or other credit arrangement with Borrower,  including,  without limitation,  any
renewal of the indebtedness evidenced by the Loan Documents.

         17.6. Maximum Interest Rate. It is the intention of the Lenders and the
Borrower that the interest (as defined under applicable law) on the Indebtedness
evidenced by the Notes that may be charged to, or collected or received from the
Borrower,   shall  not  exceed  the  maximum  contract  rate  permissible  under
applicable  law.  Accordingly,  notwithstanding  any  other  provision  of  this
Agreement to the contrary, should any interest (as so defined) be charged to, or
collected  or  received  from the  Borrower by the  Lenders  pursuant  hereto or
thereto in excess of the maximum  legal rate,  then the excess  payment shall be
applied to the reduction of the aggregate  outstanding  principal balance of the
Obligations,  and any portion of the excess payment  remaining  after payment in
full  thereof  shall be returned by the Lenders to the Borrower and the Borrower
agrees to accept such returned payment.

         17.7. Modification of Agreement.  No modification,  amendment or waiver
of any  provision  of  this  Agreement  or the  Notes,  nor any  consent  to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom,  in any event shall be effective unless the
same shall be in writing and signed by the  Borrower  and the Agent on behalf of
the  Lenders,  and then the waiver or  consent  shall be  effective  only in the
specific instance and for the purpose for which given.

         17.8.  Preservation  of Rights.  No delay or omission of the Lenders or
the Agent to exercise any right under the Loan Documents shall impair such right
or be  construed  to be a waiver  of any  Event of  Default  or an  acquiescence
therein,  and the making of a Loan  notwithstanding the existence of an Event of
Default or Unmatured  Default,  or the  inability of the Borrower to satisfy the
conditions   precedent  to  such  Loan  shall  not   constitute  any  waiver  or
acquiescence.  Any  single  or  partial  exercise  of any such  right  shall not
preclude other or further  exercise  thereof or the exercise of any other right,
and no  waiver,  amendment  or  other  variation  of the  terms,  conditions  or
provisions  of the Loan  Documents  whatsoever  shall be valid unless in writing
signed by the  Lenders,  and then only to the extent  specifically  set forth in
such writing.  All remedies  contained in the Loan Documents or available at law
or in equity shall be cumulative and all such remedies shall be available to the
Agent and the Lenders until the Obligations have been paid in full.

         17.9. Joint and Several Obligations of Borrower; Several Obligations of
Lenders. All obligations, representations and warranties hereunder and under any
of the Loan Documents, unless otherwise expressly stated, shall be the joint and
several liability of all of the entities comprising the Borrower. The respective
obligations  of the  Lenders  hereunder  are several and 
                                       76
<PAGE>
not joint and no Lender  shall be the  partner or agent of any other  (except to
the extent to which the Agent is authorized to act as such).  The failure of any
Lender to perform any of its  obligations  hereunder shall not relieve any other
Lender from any of its  obligations  hereunder.  Borrower shall have no cause of
action,  claim for damages or  liability  or any other  rights of  indemnity  or
otherwise  against any other  Lender due to the failure of any Lender to perform
its obligations  under this Agreement.  This Agreement shall not be construed so
as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to this
Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

         17.10 Severability.  If any one or more of the provisions  contained in
this  Agreement or the Notes is held invalid,  illegal or  unenforceable  in any
respect,  the validity,  legality or enforceability of the remaining  provisions
contained  herein  and  therein  shall not in any way be  affected  or  impaired
thereby.

         17.11.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed in two or more
counterparts,  each of  which  may be  executed  by one or  more of the  parties
hereto,  but all of which combined shall constitute a single instrument  binding
on all the parties hereto.

         17.12.  Loss, etc.,  Notes.  Upon receipt by the Borrower of reasonably
satisfactory  evidence of the loss,  theft,  destruction or mutilation of any of
the  Notes,  and upon  surrender  and  cancellation  of the  relevant  Note,  if
mutilated,  the Borrower shall make and deliver in lieu of that Note (the "Prior
Note") a new Note of like tenor,  except that no  reference  need be made in the
new Note to any installment or installments of principal, if any, previously due
and paid upon the Prior Note. Any Note made and delivered in accordance with the
provisions of this Section  shall be dated as of the date to which  interest has
been paid on the unpaid principal amount of the Prior Note.

         17.13.   Governmental  Regulation.   Notwithstanding  anything  to  the
contrary  contained herein, no Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the
Borrower  in  violation  of  any  limitation  or  prohibition  provided  by  any
applicable statute or regulation.

         17.14.  Taxes. Any taxes (excluding federal income taxes on the overall
net income of any Lender) or other  similar  assessments  or charges  payable or
ruled  payable by any  Governmental  Authority in respect of the Loan  Documents
shall be paid by the Borrower, together with interest and penalties, if any.

         17.15.  Headings.  Section  headings  in the  Loan  Documents  are  for
convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of
the provisions of the Loan Documents.

         17.16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement
of the parties  hereto  with  respect to the subject  matter  hereof;  provided,
however,  that the fees payable by 
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<PAGE>
Borrower  to  Norwest  in  consideration  of its  agreement  to  serve  as Agent
hereunder  are set forth in a separate  letter  agreement  between  Borrower and
Norwest. The parties hereto agree that on the Effective Date, the commitments of
the Lenders under the Existing Loans shall be terminated and of no further force
and effect.

         17.17.  Signs.  Provided  there  is  no  conflict  with  the  Permitted
Exceptions  and  subject  to  Borrower's  reasonable  approval  as to design and
location,  Borrower shall allow Lenders to erect a sign that will be supplied by
Lenders upon commencement of development indicating Lenders as the source of the
development  financing.  Said sign shall be of  sufficient  size as to be easily
recognizable  from a  distance  of 150  feet,  provided  that  such  signage  is
consistent with applicable  municipal and  governmental  ordinances and does not
materially  inhibit  Borrower's  ability  to erect  signage  upon  the  Project.
Borrower shall have the sole  responsibility  for permitting and maintaining the
sign until completion of the Project.

         17.18. ARBITRATION AGREEMENT; WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL. EXCEPT FOR
"CORE PROCEEDINGS" UNDER THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE, THE PARTIES AGREE TO
SUBMIT TO BINDING ARBITRATION ALL CLAIMS,  DISPUTES AND CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN OR
AMONG  THEM,  WHETHER IN TORT,  CONTRACT  OR  OTHERWISE  (AND  THEIR  RESPECTIVE
EMPLOYEES,  OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,  ATTORNEYS, AND OTHER AGENTS) ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING  TO IN ANY WAY THIS  AGREEMENT.  ANY  ARBITRATION  PROCEEDING  WILL (A)
PROCEED IN PHOENIX,  ARIZONA;  (B) BE GOVERNED  BY THE FEDERAL  ARBITRATION  ACT
(TITLE 9 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE); AND (C) BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
COMMERCIAL  ARBITRATION RULES OF THE AMERICAN  ARBITRATION  ASSOCIATION ("AAA").
THIS  ARBITRATION  REQUIREMENT  DOES NOT  LIMIT  THE  RIGHT OF ANY  PARTY TO (I)
FORECLOSE  AGAINST  REAL OR  PERSONAL  PROPERTY  AFTER  OBTAINING  A JUDGMENT OR
ARBITRATION  AWARD OR ENFORCE A  DEFICIENCY  JUDGMENT  AFTER  FORECLOSURE;  (II)
EXERCISE  SELF-HELP  REMEDIES  SUCH  AS  SETOFF;  OR  (III)  OBTAIN  PROVISIONAL
ANCILLARY  REMEDIES  SUCH AS  REPLEVIN,  INJUNCTIVE  RELIEF,  ATTACHMENT  OR THE
APPOINTMENT  OF A  RECEIVER,  BEFORE,  DURING  OR  AFTER  THE  PENDENCY  OR  ANY
ARBITRATION PROCEEDING. THIS EXCLUSION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF THE RIGHT
OR OBLIGATION OF ANY PARTY TO SUBMIT ANY DISPUTE TO ARBITRATION, INCLUDING THOSE
ARISING FROM THE EXERCISE OF THE ACTIONS DETAILED IN CLAUSES (I), (II) AND (III)
ABOVE. ANY ARBITRATION  PROCEEDING WILL BE BEFORE A SINGLE  ARBITRATOR  SELECTED
ACCORDING TO THE COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION RULES OF THE AAA. THE ARBITRATOR WILL BE
A NEUTRAL ATTORNEY WHO HAS PRACTICED IN THE AREA OF COMMERCIAL LAW FOR A MINIMUM
OF TEN  YEARS.  THE  
                                       78
<PAGE>
ARBITRATOR  WILL  DETERMINE  WHETHER OR NOT AN ISSUE IS ARBITRABLE AND WILL GIVE
EFFECT TO THE STATUTES OF LIMITATION IN DETERMINING ANY CLAIM. JUDGMENT UPON THE
AWARD   RENDERED  BY  THE   ARBITRATOR  MAY  BE  ENTERED  IN  ANY  COURT  HAVING
JURISDICTION.  IN ANY  ARBITRATION  PROCEEDING,  THE ARBITRATOR  WILL DECIDE (BY
DOCUMENTS ONLY OR WITH A HEARING AT THE ARBITRATOR'S DISCRETION) ANY PRE-HEARING
MOTIONS  WHICH ARE SIMILAR TO MOTIONS TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM OR
MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY ADJUDICATION.  IN ANY ARBITRATION  PROCEEDING DISCOVERY WILL
BE PERMITTED AND WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL  PROCEDURE.  ALL
DISCOVERY  MUST BE  COMPLETED  NO LATER THAN 20 DAYS BEFORE THE HEARING DATE AND
WITHIN 180 DAYS OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS. ANY REQUESTS FOR
AN  EXTENSION OF THE  DISCOVERY  PERIODS,  OR ANY  DISCOVERY  DISPUTES,  WILL BE
SUBJECT TO FINAL DETERMINATION BY THE ARBITRATOR UPON A SHOWING THAT THE REQUEST
FOR DISCOVERY IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PARTY'S  PRESENTATION AND THAT NO ALTERNATIVE
MEANS FOR OBTAINING  INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.  THE ARBITRATOR SHALL AWARD COSTS
AND EXPENSES OF THE ARBITRATION  PROCEEDING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
THE LOAN AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA,
WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS RULES. IN THE EVENT THAT LENDER EXERCISES
ITS RIGHTS TO FORECLOSE AGAINST REAL OR PERSONAL  PROPERTY  COLLATERAL OR OBTAIN
PROVISIONAL ANCILLARY REMEDIES SUCH AS REPLEVIN,  INJUNCTIVE RELIEF,  ATTACHMENT
OR THE APPOINTMENT OF A RECEIVER, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ANY LAWSUIT ARISING OUT
OF ANY SUCH CONTROVERSY SHALL BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A
JUDGE  SITTING  WITHOUT A JURY.  EACH LETTER OF CREDIT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH,  THE LAWS OR RULES  DESIGNATED  IN SUCH
LETTER  OF  CREDIT,  OR IF NO SUCH  LAWS OR RULES ARE  DESIGNATED,  THE  UNIFORM
CUSTOMS AND PRACTICE FOR  DOCUMENTARY  CREDITS  (1993  REVISION),  INTERNATIONAL
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,  PUBLICATION  NO. 500 (THE  "UNIFORM  CUSTOMS")  AND, AS TO
MATTERS NOT GOVERNED BY THE UNIFORM CUSTOMS, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA.

              -----------                        ------------
              Initial                            Initial
                                       79
<PAGE>
                         [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS
                            LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]



                                       80
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this  Agreement  is executed as of the date first
above written.

                                   BORROWERS:

                                   Monterey Homes Construction II, Inc., an 
                                   Arizona corporation

                                   By: /s/ Larry W. Seay
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Name:   Larry W. Seay
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                   Title:     Chief Financial Officer
                                         ---------------------------------------

                                   Monterey Homes Arizona II, Inc., an Arizona 
                                   corporation

                                   By: /s/ Larry W. Seay
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Name:   Larry W. Seay
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                   Title:     Chief Financial Officer
                                         ---------------------------------------

                                   LENDERS:

                                   Norwest Bank Arizona, National Association, a
                                   national banking association

                                   By: /s/ Kevin Kosan
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Name:    Kevin Kosan
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                   Title:      Vice President
                                         ---------------------------------------

                                   Bank One, Arizona, NA, a national banking
                                   association

                                   By: /s/ Kevin C. Schillig
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Name:   Kevin C. Schillig
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                   Title:
                                         ---------------------------------------

                                   AGENT:

                                   Norwest Bank Arizona, National Association, a
                                   national banking association

                                   By: /s/ Kevin Kosan
                                      ------------------------------------------
                                   Name:   Kevin Kosan
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                   Title:   Vice President
                                         ---------------------------------------


                                               Transaction No.:   22
                                                       Builder:   Monterey Homes
                                                     Locations:   Phoenix, AZ
                                                                  Tucson, AZ









                    REVOLVING MODEL HOME LEASE BACK AGREEMENT










         This Revolving Model Home Lease Back Agreement is made and entered into
by and between  AMHM-1,  L.P., a California  limited  partnership  ("AMH"),  and
MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC., an Arizona corporation, ("Builder").
<PAGE>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                -----------------

                                                                       Page
                                                                       ----

1.       Recitals Incorporated by Reference .        .        .         2

2.       Multiple Models in Multiple Projects        .        .         2

3.       Models   .        .        .       .        .        .         2
         3.1      Security Deposit. .       .        .        .         2

4.       Lease Rate        .        .       .        .        .         3
         4.1      Variable Lease Rate       .        .        .         3
         4.2      Generally         .       .        .        .         3

5.       Lease Term        .        .       .        .        .         3
         5.1      Length of Lease   .       .        .        .         3
         5.2      Early Termination by Builder During Lease Term        4
         5.3      Rent     .        .       .        .        .         5
         5.4      Payment Agent.    .       .        .        .         5

6.       Conversion of Model        .       .        .        .         6
         6.1      Conversion Prior to Expiration Date.        .         6
         6.2      Definition of Conversion  .        .        .         6
         6.3      Acceptable Condition      .        .        .         6

7.       Additional Options         .       .        .        .         7

8.       Sales of Models   .        .       .        .        .         7
         8.1      Marketing Efforts .       .        .        .         7
         8.2      Request by AMH for Builder's Assistance     .         7
         8.3      Early Sales       .       .        .        .         8
         8.4      Unrestricted Sales        .        .        .         8

9.       Offset Rights     .        .       .        .        .         8

10.      Customer Service and Warranty by Builder Following Sales       8

11.      Absolute Obligation to Pay Rent    .        .        .         9

12.      AMH's Voluntary Expenses   .       .        .        .         9
                                       (i)
<PAGE>
13.      Taxation .        .        .       .        .        .        10
         13.1     Payment of Real Property Taxes     .        .        10
         13.2     Joint Assessment  .       .        .        .        10
         13.3     Definition of Taxes       .        .        .        10

14.      Use      .        .        .       .        .        .        11

15.      Utilities         .        .       .        .        .        11

16.      Maintenance and Repairs    .       .        .        .        11

17.      AMH's Right to Maintain    .       .        .        .        11

18.      Entry for Inspection       .       .        .        .        12

19.      Sales Reports     .        .       .        .        .        12
         19.1     Frequency         .       .        .        .        12
         19.2     Confidentiality   .       .        .        .        12
         19.3     Supplemental Reports               .        .        12

20.      Liens    .        .        .       .        .        .        12
         20.1     Generally         .       .        .        .        12
         20.2     Builder's Right to Challenge       .        .        13
         20.3     Notices of Non-Responsibility      .        .        13

21.      Indemnity of AMH and Property by Builder    .        .        13

22.      Insurance         .        .       .        .        .        14
         22.1     Liability Insurance       .        .        .        14
         22.2     Property Insurance        .        .        .        15
         22.3     Waiver of Subrogation     .        .        .        15

23.      Damage or Destruction      .       .        .        .        15

24.      Assignment & Subletting    .       .        .        .        15
         24.1     AMH's Consent Required    .        .        .        15
         24.2     No Release of Builder     .        .        .        16
         24.3     Collateral Assignment by AMH       .        .        16

25.      Subordination              .       .        .        .        16
         25.1     Generally         .       .        .        .        16
         25.2     Subordination Agreements/Non-Disturbance             17
         25.3     Quiet Enjoyment   .       .        .        .        17
         25.4     Covenant to Pay   .       .        .        .        17
                                      (ii)
<PAGE>
26.      Default; Remedies .        .       .        .        .        17
         26.1     Default  .        .       .        .        .        17
         26.2     Remedies .        .       .        .        .        18
         26.3     Late Charges      .       .        .        .        19
         26.4     Default by AMH    .       .        .        .        19
         26.5     No Waiver of Remedies     .        .        .        20

27.      Guaranty .        .        .       .        .        .        20

28.      Miscellaneous              .       .        .        .        20
         28.1     Estoppel Certificate      .        .        .        20
         28.2     Entire Agreement  .       .        .        .        21
         28.3     Severability      .       .        .        .        21
         28.4     Costs of Suit     .       .        .        .        21
         28.5     Binding Effect; Choice of Law      .        .        21
         28.6     Surrender of Models       .        .        .        21
         28.7     Holding Over      .       .        .        .        21
         28.8     Recording         .       .        .        .        22
         28.9     Notices  .        .       .        .        .        22
         28.10    Time     .        .       .        .        .        23
         28.11    Reasonableness    .       .        .        .        23

                                List of Exhibits
                                ----------------

Exhibit "A"       Model Chart and Purchase Price Schedule

Exhibit "B"       Early Termination Release Prices

Exhibit "C"       Form of Sales Report

Exhibit "D"       Form of Acknowledgment of Lease Term Expiration

Exhibit "E"       Buyer's Addendum #1 to Real Estate Purchase Contract

Exhibit "F"       Guarantee

Exhibit "G"       Minimum Lease Term and Termination Schedule

Exhibit "H"       Hazardous Materials Laws and Hazardous Materials Definition
                                      (iii)
<PAGE>
                    REVOLVING MODEL HOME LEASE BACK AGREEMENT

         This  Revolving  Model Home Lease Back Agreement (the "Lease") is dated
for reference purposes only as of the 18th day of December,  1996 and is entered
into by and between AMHM-1,  L.P., a California limited  partnership ("AMH") and
MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC., an Arizona corporation ("Builder").

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

         A. Builder and AMH have  previously  entered into that Revolving  Model
Home Purchase  Agreement  (the "Purchase  Agreement")  whereby AMH has purchased
certain model homes  identified on the "Model Chart"  attached hereto as Exhibit
"A", as the same may be revised from time to time, (the "Models") located in one
or more housing projects (the  "Projects").  The related Purchase  Agreement and
this Lease have the same "Transaction Number" as assigned by AMH, for accounting
purposes, and shown on the cover of both the Purchase and Lease Agreements.  All
initial-capitalized  terms not  otherwise  defined  herein  shall  have the same
meaning  ascribed to them in the Purchase  Agreement.  The terms of the Purchase
Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.

         B. AMH has  purchased  the Models and AMH now desires to lease back the
Models to Builder. Under the Purchase Agreement,  additional Models not shown on
the Model Chart may yet become subject to the Purchase  Agreement and may yet be
purchased  by AMH after the  conduct of AMH's  Feasibility  Review  (as  defined
below) for such  additional  Models.  Upon the Settlement of any such additional
Model,  such Model shall become subject to this Lease by a  modification  of the
Model  Chart  by the  parties.  This  Lease  shall  become  effective  for  each
respective  Model as of the  Settlement  Date for such Model,  which is also the
"Lease Commencement Date" for such Model.

         C. The Lease Term (as  hereinafter  defined) may expire with respect to
certain  Models  while  remaining  in effect for other  Models until the date of
expiration  of the Lease  Term (the  "Lease  Expiration  Date")  for such  other
Models.  The terms of this Lease may vary with  respect to  different  Models as
further described herein.

         D. This Lease governs and affects only those Models which are described
on the Model Chart, as the same may be revised from time to time by the parties.
A default  under this Lease (taking into account all  applicable  grace and cure
periods)  with  respect  to any Model now or  hereafter  described  on the Model
Chart,  constitutes a default with respect to all Models  described on the Model
Chart.

         NOW, THEREFORE,  for good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and
sufficiency  of which are hereby  acknowledged,  AMH hereby leases the Models to
the Builder upon the following terms and conditions.
                                       1
<PAGE>
1.       Recitals Incorporated by Reference.
         -----------------------------------

         AMH and  Builder  acknowledge  that the  recitals  are true and correct
representations,  warranties,  covenants  and  agreements  by  and  between  the
parties. Such recitals are incorporated herein by this reference.

2.       Multiple Models in Multiple Projects.
         -------------------------------------

         Certain terms of this Lease with respect to each Model are set forth in
the  Model  Chart,  as the  same  may be  revised  from  time to time by  mutual
agreement.  This Lease is applicable to each Model described on the Model Chart,
as the same may be revised from time to time, the same as if each of the Models,
respectively  were the only  property  subject  to this  Lease.  A Model  may be
"Converted"  (as defined in Paragraph 6.2 below) and sold without  affecting the
validity and  enforceability  of this Lease with respect to remaining  Models in
other Projects.

3.       Models.
         -------

         The term "Models" includes (i) with respect to free-standing homes, the
underlying  realty and all the improvements  located thereon,  including without
limitation,  the landscaping,  irrigation  equipment,  sidewalks,  walls and the
house,  and (ii) with  respect to  condominiums,  an  undivided  interest in the
underlying realty and all common improvements located thereon, plus title to the
subject  individual   dwelling  unit  as  defined  in  the  governing  documents
applicable  thereto.  Fixtures  located  within the house or  condominium  which
cannot be removed  without  damage to the  Models,  the  draperies  and  drapery
hardware,  built-in  home  entertainment  systems  excluding  televisions,   the
built-in  appliances  located in the Models as of the Lease  Commencement  Date,
pools and pool  equipment and built-in or custom  cabinetry or  woodworking  are
deemed to be a part of the Models.  The term "Models" does not include furniture
(unless  built-in),  accessories  such as  vases,  paintings,  and other art and
decorating objects;  office furniture and equipment,  or office fixtures located
in the Models (unless otherwise specified on the Exhibit A Model Chart).

         3.1  Security  Deposit:  Builder  shall  deposit  with AMH,  cash or an
acceptable  Letter of Credit,  in the amount of one month's rent, which shall be
held as a security deposit by AMH until such time as the proposed merger between
Builder and Homeplex is  completed or prorated  until all the units on the Model
Chart have been resold by AMH and Builder  pursuant  to the  Purchase  and Lease
Agreement. Failure by Builder to replace any Letter of Credit within 10 business
days of the  expiration  of the  Letter of Credit  will  constitute  an Event of
Default under this Lease Agreement.
                                       2
<PAGE>
4.       Lease Rate.
         -----------

         4.1  Variable  Lease  Rate.   Builder  shall  pay  to  AMH  as  monthly
installments of "Rent" under this Lease,  for each of the Models subject hereto,
variable  amounts which are calculated by determining  the "Lease Rate" for each
month of the Lease Term.  In this  connection,  the  monthly  Lease Rate for all
Models  subject to this Lease for each calendar month of the Lease Term shall be
equal to the amount determined by the following calculation:  one-twelfth of the
product of (i) the 3-month LIBOR Rate as published by the Wall Street Journal on
the first business day of the prior month, plus 650 basis points,  multiplied by
(ii) the  Purchase  Price of all Models then covered by this Lease (as set forth
in the Model  Chart as same may be  revised  from time to time) on the date such
Rent is due.  With  respect to any Model for which the Lease has  terminated  or
expired on any day other than the first day of a calendar month, the installment
of Rent which is due on the first day of the following  calendar  month shall be
prorated to take into account such Lease termination or expiration.

         4.2  Generally.  Builder  shall pay to AMH, as Rent for the Models,  IN
ADVANCE  ON THE  FIRST DAY OF EACH  CALENDAR  MONTH OF THE  LEASE  TERM  without
deduction, offset, prior notice or demand, in lawful money of the United States,
the amount of monthly  Rent  calculated  pursuant  to the  formula  set forth in
Paragraph 4.1 above.  Rent shall be paid  commencing  on the Lease  Commencement
Date and until the Lease Expiration Date for the respective Models. If the Lease
Commencement  Date for the  Models in a Project is not the first day of a month,
Builder  shall pay a  prorated  portion  of the Rent for that  month.  EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE  EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN,  THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD FOR THE PAYMENT
OF RENT. The first full monthly  installment of Rent payable by Builder pursuant
to this Lease shall be paid to AMH on January 1, 1997.

5.       Lease Term.
         -----------

         5.1 Length of Lease. The term of this Lease (the "Lease Term") for each
of the Models covered  respectively by this Lease (including Models subsequently
added to the Model Chart by addendum as Additional  Model(s))  shall commence on
the Settlement Date (as defined in the Purchase  Agreement) for such Model,  and
shall expire,  subject to the  provisions  of Paragraph 6 below,  on the six (6)
month or first  (1st)  anniversary  thereof  pursuant to the  scheduled  maximum
mandatory lease term date on Exhibit "G", unless sooner  terminated  pursuant to
the provisions  hereof.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Builder shall have the
right to cause early termination of the Lease Term for individual Models covered
by the Lease pursuant to the terms of Paragraphs  5.2.1,  5.2.2 and 5.2.3 below.
In its exercise of any such early termination rights,  however,  Builder may not
terminate the Lease if, as a result of such proposed termination and taking into
account any previous instances where Builder may have exercised any of its early
termination  rights,  more than four (4) Models may remain unsold within a given
Development  (the  "Inventory  Restriction").  As to Additional  Models,  in its
exercise of any such early  termination  rights,  Builder may not  terminate the
Lease for a particular Model or group of Models within a specific master planned
community or subdivision ("Development") under any circumstance, if, 
                                       3
<PAGE>
as a result of such  proposed  termination  and taking into account any previous
instances where Builder may have exercised any of its early termination  rights,
more than four (4) Models may remain  unsold within a three (3) mile radius of a
given  Development (the "Inventory  Restriction"),  unless mutually  modified by
both parties.  Builder shall have the right to extend the term of this Lease for
each model, prior to the initial lease term expiration date, on a month to month
basis or, if  builder,  at  builder's  option,  elects to extend the lease for a
minimum of six (6)  months,  for a maximum of two (2) six (6) month  extensions.
The builder shall have the option to extend the lease on each unit on a month to
month basis,  after either the expiration of the lease term or expiration of any
six (6) month options previously exercised.

         5.2 Early  Termination by Builder During Lease Term.  Builder is hereby
provided three separate  methods (set forth,  respectively,  in Sections  5.2.1,
5.2.2 and 5.2.3) by which Builder may cause early  termination of the Lease Term
for a particular  Model. Each method of termination is independent of the others
but may be exercised in conjunction  with other  termination  methods so long as
there is no violation of the Inventory Restriction. Furthermore, the exercise of
any termination  right described herein requires at least ninety (90) days prior
notice  from  Builder  to  AMH  of  Builder's  intent  to  exercise  such  early
termination  right (the  "Termination  Notice"),  and no Lease for a  particular
Model shall be deemed to have terminated  unless such Model has been "Converted"
as provided in Paragraph 6 below. However,  notwithstanding that the Builder has
given such  Termination  Notice,  the Expiration Date of the Lease Term shall be
the later to occur of (a) 90 days following  receipt of such written notice from
Builder, or 30 days from the completion of Conversion of the Models.

                  5.2.1 Lease  Termination:  At  Builder's  option,  Builder may
elect to  terminate  the Lease with  respect to a Model  described  in the Model
Chart  pursuant  to the  schedule  shown on  Exhibit  "G" which  allows  for the
termination of those Models on the date(s)  prescribed per the notice  described
in Section 5.2 above. Should Builder elect not to cancel a lease with respect to
a  particular  unit per  Schedule  "G" or, if  Builder  cancels  or  rescinds  a
Termination  Notice  previously  given to AMH,  Builder  may elect to extend the
lease for that unit on a month to month  basis,  provided  however  that Builder
repeats to the 90 day  notice  provision  described  in  Section  5.2 above.  If
Additional  Model(s)  are  added to the Model  Chart by  addendum,  Builder  may
release said  Additional  Models at any time beginning at one (1) year after the
Lease  Commencement  Date for that Additional  Model(s) so long as the aggregate
releases  for  all  Additional  Model(s)  in any one  month  complies  with  the
inventory restriction as defined in Paragraph 5.1.

                  5.2.2 Early Termination.  Notwithstanding  Section 5.2.1, with
respect  to each  Model  or  Additional  Models  leased  hereunder,  at any time
beginning  before  the date  which is six (6)  months or one (1) year  after the
Lease  Commencement Date for that Model Builder may elect to terminate the Lease
prior to  expiration  of the Lease  Term of that Model or  Additional  Models if
circumstances change such that there is no longer any business purpose served by
the continued use of such Model or  Additional  Models as a model home.  Builder
may discontinue such use upon providing the applicable Termination Notice to AMH
specifying  the change in  circumstances.  Irrespective  of the number of models
released under 5.2.1 above,  Builder  agrees to give AMH such Early  Termination
Notice immediately upon Builder's determination that it no 
                                       4
<PAGE>
longer  intends  to use the Model as a model  home with a date that the use as a
Model shall be discontinued.  The purpose of the Early Termination  Notice shall
be to give AMH and  Builder an  opportunity  to sell the Model  while  marketing
traffic is still  visiting the Model.  For that reason,  Builder shall give such
Early  Termination  Notice as soon as possible,  and maintain current  marketing
efforts, including using furnished and decorated models, similar sales hours and
advertising.  Within sixty (60) days of sending such Early  Termination  Notice,
Builder  shall  begin to Convert  the  Model.  On behalf of AMH,  Builder  shall
attempt to obtain an agreement to sell such Model at a price equal to or greater
than the price established  solely by AMH within ten (10) days after its receipt
of the Early Termination Notice(s),  at which price Builder shall offer the said
Model for sale (the "Early  Termination  Price")  substantially  as scheduled on
Exhibit "B", and Builder shall continuously  thereafter offer the Model for sale
to the buying  public at such price for a period of sixty (60) days or less,  as
determined  by AMH.  Builder's  right to  terminate  the Lease  pursuant  to the
foregoing is expressly conditioned upon Builder obtaining a purchase price which
equals or exceeds the Early Termination Price.

                  5.2.3  Minimum  Sale Price:  Provided,  however,  that if such
sixty (60) day period  referenced  in 5.2.2 above shall expire  without  Builder
having sold the Model in question at a price equal to or greater  than the Early
Termination  Price,  Builder shall have a continuing right to elect to terminate
the Lease as to such Model by (i) obtaining an agreement, previously approved by
AMH, to sell such Model for a price which,  equals or exceeds the price for such
Model specified in Exhibit "B" attached hereto (such price is referred to herein
as the "Minimum Sales Price") or (ii) obtains an agreement,  previously approved
by AMH, to sell such Model for a price less than the Minimum  Sales  Price,  but
pays into the sale  escrow  the  difference  between  such  sales  price and the
Minimum Sales Price prior to close of escrow for such sale,  with such amount to
be paid to AMH at close of escrow.  Notwithstanding  any other provision of this
paragraph or Section  5.2.2,  no Lease shall  terminate  under this paragraph or
Section  5.2.2  until the closing of the sale of that Model for a price equal to
or greater than the Early Termination Price or, after the initial sixty (60) day
sale period, during the subsequent sales period described in paragraph 5.23, for
a price equal to or greater than the Minimum Sales Price. Until such termination
of the Lease occurs,  however, all the provisions of the Lease shall continue to
be  effective  with  respect  to  such  Model,  including  all  the  maintenance
requirements,  payments  of Rent and  Conversion  requirements  set forth in the
Lease.

         5.3 Rent.  Each and every  obligation of Builder to pay money to or for
the benefit of AMH under this Lease is hereby  deemed to be included  within the
term "Rent".  Rent due for any partial month shall be based on a thirty (30) day
month, regardless of the actual days in such month.

         5.4 Payment Agent.  AMH may enter into an  arrangement  whereby Rent is
paid by Builder to a payment agent (the "Custodial Account") for disbursement to
secured  parties,  and then to AMH. AMH shall  provide  notice to Builder of the
name,  address and method by which Rent payments are to be sent to the Custodial
Account.  Builder shall have no liability for the acts or failures to act of the
Custodial Account agent so long as Builder makes the payments directed by AMH as
and when required.
                                       5
<PAGE>
6.       Conversion of Model.
         --------------------

         6.1 Conversion  Prior to Expiration Date. Prior to the Lease Expiration
Date for each Model,  Builder shall "Convert" (as defined below) each Model to a
single family residence ready for sale to the public and immediate occupancy. In
no event  shall  the Lease  Expiration  Date for any  Model  occur  prior to the
Conversion of such Model.

         6.2 Definition of Conversion.  As used herein,  the term "Convert" (and
its  derivations)  means  (a) the  obtaining  by  Builder  of a  certificate  of
occupancy (or its  equivalent in the subject  jurisdiction)  for the Model,  (b)
restoring  the Model to the  "Acceptable  Condition"  (as  defined  below),  (c)
completing any other work required to remove special improvements  installed for
marketing  purposes,  and (d) generally  transforming  the Model and  applicable
portions of the model complex to an ordinary,  habitable home.  Without limiting
the  generality  of the  foregoing,  Conversion  includes  removing and properly
disposing  of all asphalt from the  applicable  model lot used as a parking lot;
transforming  all  garages  used as  offices  into  garages;  and  removing  all
railings,  fencing,  walls,  sidewalks and other devices which were installed to
direct  sales  traffic to said Model;  removing  all sales signs and other sales
equipment  and  fixtures;  removing  all of Builder's  property  from the Model;
repainting, cleaning, replacing or repairing, as appropriate, all damages caused
by marketing  traffic,  Builder's  activities or other conversion  activities to
bring  the  Model  to  the  Acceptable  Condition  (as  hereafter  defined)  and
performing  all repairs,  retrofits  and other work required to make the Model a
fully functioning and occupiable home.

         6.3 Acceptable Condition.

                  6.3.1.  Generally,  the Acceptable Condition of all mechanical
equipment,  appliances and  structural  components  shall be their clean,  used,
properly  functioning  condition with all repairs and  maintenance  performed to
date and without obvious physical blemish or other signs of deferred maintenance
or physical  damage.  Such items as fans, air  conditioning  units,  toilets and
plumbing  fixtures,  ranges,  ovens,  and lighting  fixtures are subject to this
standard.
                  6.3.2. The Acceptable  Condition of all painted items, such as
walls,  where the paint is still  intact  and in good  condition  is  thoroughly
cleaned without  visible smudges or other soiling;  if there are any areas where
the paint has been removed  through  abrasion or collision,  such areas shall be
repaired and painted  with  matching  paint.  The  Acceptable  Condition of wall
papered surfaces is clean without any obvious physical damage or sagging;  areas
of physical  damage or sagging shall be replaced with  matching  wallpaper.  The
Acceptable  Condition of carpeting is thoroughly cleaned without physical damage
or noticeably worn areas.  The Acceptable  Condition of all other flooring shall
be thoroughly cleaned.  The Acceptable  Condition of all brick work and concrete
work shall be clean and without  visible  physical  damage;  all physical damage
shall be  properly  repaired.  The  Acceptable  Condition  of drapes,  curtains,
blinds,  tinting and  mirroring  and other window  coverings  and  treatments is
thoroughly cleaned and in good mechanical condition. The Acceptable Condition of
any option  item or 
                                       6
<PAGE>
upgrades  installed in the Models shall be the acceptable  condition for similar
features,  appliances or surfaces, minimal wear and tear excepted. The buyers of
each model home shall sign an Addendum to the  Purchase  Agreement  (attached as
Exhibit "E") relating to the model home condition.

7.       Additional Options.
         -------------------

         At the  request  of AMH,  and upon  reasonable  notice,  Builder  shall
install any of those  options  available,  such as home  theater  equipment  and
non-built-in appliances,  for a similar production unit which are offered to the
public. AMH shall pay Builder's cost for such options

8.       Sales of Models.
         ----------------

         8.1 Marketing  Efforts.  Subject to Paragraph 5.2 above,  Builder shall
use its reasonable  efforts to sell each Model on behalf of AMH beginning ninety
(90) days prior to expiration or early  termination of the Lease Term.  However,
if Builder is unable to sell the Model within sixty (60) days after it commences
its marketing efforts,  AMH shall have the right to market the Model at any time
after  expiration of such sixty (60) day period upon notice to Builder,  and the
right to utilize any marketing  methods and techniques  commonly utilized in the
same general area and Builder  shall  discontinue  its marketing  efforts.  This
includes,  but is not limited to, (a) listing the Model with a multiple  listing
service, (b) listing the Model with a local realtor, (c) placing  advertisements
in local media,  which  advertising is allowed to use the Builder's  name,  with
Builder's prior written approval,  not to be unreasonably  withheld and the name
of the Project,  and (d) engaging  other  brokers or sales persons to market the
Model.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  in the event Builder elects to exercise
any of its termination  rights under Section 5.2 above,  any time after five (5)
days after Builder has delivered the applicable  Termination  Notice to AMH, and
not until, AMH may also place a "For Sale" sign on the front yard of the Model's
lot, and conduct open houses in the Model.  Until five (5) days after receipt of
the Termination  Notice, AMH shall not place signs on any part of the Model lots
or within the Models.  Each party shall  conduct its  activities in a reasonable
and courteous manner which avoids  unnecessary  interference with the activities
of the other  party.  In no event shall the sales price of the units  during the
initial ninety (90) day marketing  period  described  above,  be less than AMH's
purchase  price of the units,  as shown in Exhibit "A" plus sales  closing costs
not to exceed five (5%) percent.

         8.2  Request  by AMH  for  Builder's  Assistance.  In  connection  with
Builder's  assistance  to AMH in selling each Model as provided in Paragraph 8.1
above,  Builder shall undertake to sell the Models at a sales price  established
by AMH in its sole and  absolute  discretion  (the "Sales  Price").  The parties
acknowledge that Builder may have other production homes to market,  the sale of
which may directly  compete with the sale of the Models.  AMH  acknowledges  the
existence  of such  conflict  of  interest  and  waives  any  right to object to
Builder's  efforts to market its  production  units at any price it elects.  AMH
shall pay Builder a broker's commission equal to three percent (3%) of the Sales
Price as full  compensation  to Builder for its  efforts in selling  such Model,
provided  Builder sells each unit for the amounts equal to or greater than shown
on Exhibit "B", however, if a cooperating broker is used and 
                                       7
<PAGE>
procures the buyer, Builder shall be entitled to one and one half percent (1.5%)
of the Sales Price.  AMH shall be responsible for the payment of a commission to
any cooperating broker not affiliated with Builder.



         8.3 Early Sales.  If AMH sells the Model(s)  prior to the expiration of
the Lease Term in  accordance  with  Paragraph  8.1 above,  any purchaser of the
Model(s) shall take title thereto  subject to the terms of the Lease.  AMH shall
notify  Builder  of any such  sale and  shall  continue  to  manage  the  Lease,
interface with Builder to the exclusion of such  purchaser,  and shall be liable
for  the   performance   of  all   obligations   of  the   landlord   thereunder
notwithstanding the sale of the Model.

         8.4.  Unrestricted  Sales.  Builder shall take all necessary actions to
maintain  all units  subject to this  agreement  as fully  entitled and title is
transferable  to a  third  party  purchaser  without  any  further  legislative,
administrative or judicial review or action.

9.       Offset Rights.
         --------------

         If Builder  is in  default  of this  Lease,  taking  into  account  all
applicable  grace  and cure  periods,  AMH  shall  have the  right,  but not the
obligation,  to offset  any  amounts  owed by AMH to  Builder  by the  amount in
default (or, if applicable, the reasonable amount to cure such default).

10.      Customer Service and Warranty by Builder Following Sales.
         ---------------------------------------------------------

         Subject to the terms of this paragraph,  Builder shall provide customer
service and warranty coverage for a one year period to each purchaser of a Model
the same as if the Model were a  production  unit and the same as if Builder had
always  been the owner of the Model or a one year third party  resale  warranty.
Without  limiting the  foregoing,  the Builder  shall provide the purchaser of a
Model the same  warranty  as Builder  provided to other  purchasers  in the same
Project or a  residential  resale  warranty  paid for by Builder at  settlement,
which  provides a similar  level of coverage  described in this  paragraph.  The
customer  service  period and warranty  coverage shall commence upon the sale of
the Model to a  consumer  (the  "Warranty  Commencement  Date").  On such date a
warranty or warranties shall be issued to the  purchaser/consumer for the Model.
Notwithstanding  that  components  (including  but not  limited  to  appliances,
mechanical equipment options and upgrades) of the Model may be used as described
above in this Lease,  the Builder's  warranty or warranties  shall apply to such
components  for  the  longer  of  one  year  or  the  remaining  portion  of the
manufacturer's original warranty.
                                       8
<PAGE>
11.      Absolute Obligation to Pay Rent.
         --------------------------------

         This Lease is an  "Absolutely  Net Lease" and  Builder's  liability and
obligation  to pay the Rent  until  the  termination  of the  Lease  Term of any
Model(s) as prescribed within this Lease is a separate, absolute,  unconditional
and independent  covenant to be performed  notwithstanding any other conditions.
The  Builder  shall have no right to  terminate  this Lease  except as  provided
herein,  or to be  relieved  of any  obligation  to pay the Rent for any  reason
whatsoever not expressly set forth herein, including without limitation, (a) any
set off, counterclaim, defense or other right which the Builder may have against
AMH, (b) any defect in the condition,  design,  operation or fitness for use of,
or any  damage  or loss or  destruction  of the  Models or any  portion  thereof
(including any environmental  condition or contamination  even if the Builder is
not responsible or liable under this Lease for such condition or contamination),
(c) any  interruption or cessation in the use or possession of the Models by the
Builder for any reason  whatsoever,  (d) the  existence  of any liens,  charges,
security interests or other encumbrances against the Models, (e) any insolvency,
bankruptcy,  reorganization or similar proceedings by or against AMH or Builder,
(f) any default by AMH under this Lease or under any instrument to which AMH may
be a party,  (g) any change in tax or other laws of the  United  States,  or any
state thereof, or any political subdivision of any of them, (h) any title defect
or  encumbrance  or any  eviction  from the Models or any part  thereof by title
paramount or otherwise, (i) any change, waiver, extension, indulgence or failure
to  perform or comply  with,  or other  action or  omission  in respect  of, any
obligation or liability of AMH  contained in this Lease,  or (j) any other event
or circumstance  whatsoever,  whether or not similar or dissimilar to any of the
foregoing  and whether or not Builder  shall have notice or  knowledge of any of
the foregoing. Builder hereby waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
any and all rights which it may now have or which at any time  hereafter  may be
conferred  upon it, by statute  or  otherwise,  to  terminate,  cancel,  quit or
surrender this Lease except in accordance with the express terms hereof.  Except
for any overpayments of Rent (which  overpayments  shall be credited against the
next  installment of Rent then becoming due),  each payment of the Rent shall be
final,  and  Builder  shall have no right to seek to recover  all or any part of
such payment from AMH for any reason whatsoever,  except for prorated rent which
shall be credited to the following month's rent. It is the purpose and intent of
the  parties  that the Rent  paid  shall  be net to AMH and that all  costs  and
expenses and charges related to the Models,  except for debt service and general
overhead of AMH, shall be paid by Builder.

12.      AMH's Voluntary Expenses.
         -------------------------

         Builder's obligation to pay those costs, expenses, and charges provided
for in this Lease does not include the  obligation  to pay any cost,  expense or
charge voluntarily  incurred by AMH. However, if AMH incurs any cost, expense or
charge which is the obligation of Builder  because Builder has failed to pay the
same and has done so in order to protect  its  interest  in the  Model(s),  upon
fifteen  (15) days  written  notice  therefor  to Builder,  Builder  shall be in
default,  after expiration of all applicable  grace and cure periods,  and shall
reimburse  AMH  immediately  upon  Builder's  receipt  of an  invoice  from  AMH
therefor.
                                       9
<PAGE>
13.      Taxation.
         ---------

         13.1  Payment  of Real  Property  Taxes.  Builder  shall  pay  prior to
delinquency all "Real Property Taxes" (as defined below) and "Personal  Property
Taxes" (as  defined  below)  levied  against the Models and  property  contained
therein during the term of this Lease and shall, upon request,  provide AMH with
evidence of payment satisfactory to AMH. If Builder fails to pay any such taxes,
AMH shall have the right, but not the obligation, to pay the same after delivery
to Builder  within  thirty (30) days notice,  in which case Builder  shall repay
such amount to AMH with Builder's next Rent  installment  together with interest
on such  delinquent tax  installment  at the rate of eighteen  percent (18%) per
annum, (the "Interest Rate").  Real Property Taxes for any tax year during which
the Lease Term expires or is terminated shall be prorated.

         13.2  Joint  Assessment.  In the event the  Models  are not  separately
assessed,  Builder's  liability  shall be an  equitable  proportion  of the real
property  taxes for all of the land and  improvements  included  within  the tax
parcel  assessed,  such  proportion to be determined by AMH from the  respective
valuations  assigned in the Assessor's work sheets or such other  information as
may be  reasonably  available  to AMH,  with  AMH's  reasonable  and good  faith
determination thereof being conclusive.

         13.3  Definition  of  Taxes.  As used in this  Lease,  the  term  "Real
Property Tax" shall include any form of assessment,  levy, penalty or tax (other
than  inheritance,  estate,  net  income  or  franchise  taxes)  imposed  by any
authority  having  the  direct or  indirect  power to tax,  including  any city,
county,  state or federal  government  or any  school,  agricultural,  lighting,
drainage or other improvement  district  thereof,  whether such tax is (a) upon,
allocable to or measured by the area or value of the Model or the rental payable
hereunder,  including  without  limitation  any gross  income  tax or excise tax
levied by the state,  city or federal  government or any  political  subdivision
thereof,  being assessed with respect to the receipt of such rental; or (b) upon
or with respect to the possession, leasing, operation, management,  maintenance,
alteration,  repair,  use or occupancy by Builder of the Model(s) or any portion
thereof;  or (c) upon or measured by the value of Builder's  personal  property,
equipment or fixtures  located in the Model(s);  or (d) upon this transaction or
any document to which Builder is a party creating or transferring an interest or
an estate in the Models; and (e) whether or not any such tax is now customary or
within the  contemplation  of the parties.  As used herein,  the term  "Personal
Property  Tax" shall  include all taxes  assessed  against and levied upon trade
fixtures,  furnishings,  equipment  and all other  personal  property of Builder
contained in the Models. When possible, Builder shall cause said trade fixtures,
furnishings, equipment and all other personal property to be assessed and billed
separately  from the real  property of AMH.  Builder shall have no obligation to
pay  corporate  or  personal  income  taxes  imposed  on AMH  or  its  officers,
directors, employees or shareholders which may become a lien on the Model(s).
                                       10
<PAGE>
14.      Use.
         ----

         The Models  shall be used and  occupied by Builder  only as model homes
and/or as sales  offices  for the  marketing  of other  homes in the  respective
Projects in compliance  with  applicable  laws and  ordinances  and for no other
purpose.  Builder is the party which  designed  and  constructed  the Models and
agrees that they are in every way suitable for the use which Builder  intends to
make of them.

15.      Utilities.
         ----------

         Builder  shall pay,  prior to  delinquency,  bills for all water,  gas,
heat,  light,  power,  telephone,  sewage,  air  conditioning  and  ventilating,
scavenger,  janitorial,  landscaping and all other  materials,  services and all
other utilities of every kind and nature supplied to the Models.

16.      Maintenance and Repairs.
         ------------------------

         During the Lease Term,  the Models shall be kept in good condition with
no deferred  maintenance  on  landscaping,  equipment or fixtures.  Builder,  at
Builder's  expense,   shall  keep  in  good  order,  condition  and  repair  the
foundations,  exterior  walls and the exterior  roof of the Models.  The Builder
shall also  maintain the  exterior  and the interior  surfaces of the Models and
maintain all walls,  floors,  windows,  doors and plate glass,  and maintain all
plumbing,  heating,  air  conditioning,  ventilating,  electrical  and  lighting
facilities and equipment within the Models and all sidewalks, driveways, parking
lots,  fences and signs  located in the areas which are adjacent to and included
with the Models.  Builder,  at its sole cost and  expense,  agrees to repair any
damage to the Models caused by or in connection with the removal of any articles
of personal  property,  business or trade  fixtures,  machinery,  equipment,  or
furniture.

17.      AMH's Right to Maintain.
         ------------------------

         If Builder fails to perform  Builder's  maintenance  obligations as set
forth in Paragraph 16 above, AMH may give Builder written notice to do such acts
as are reasonably  required to properly maintain the Models. If Builder fails to
do the work and diligently  prosecute it to completion,  then AMH shall have the
right  (but not the  obligation)  to do such acts and  expend  such funds as are
reasonably  required to perform such work at the expense of Builder.  Any amount
so expended by AMH shall be paid by Builder  within five (5) business days after
written  demand with  interest  at the  Interest  Rate of 3-month  LIBOR Rate as
published  by the Wall  Street  Journal on the first  business  day of the prior
month,  plus 650 basis  points  from the date of such  work.  AMH shall  have no
liability to Builder for any  inconvenience or interference  with the use of the
Models by Builder as a result of performing any such work.
                                       11
<PAGE>
18.      Entry for Inspection.
         ---------------------

         AMH and AMH's agents shall have the right during regular business hours
to enter the Models to inspect  the same or to  maintain or repair the Models or
to show the Models to prospective  purchasers or lenders in accordance  with the
terms of this  Lease.  If Builder  is in breach of its  repair  and  maintenance
obligations and AMH elects to perform the same,  Builder hereby waives any claim
for  abatement  of Rent or for  damages  for any injury or  inconvenience  to or
interference with Builder's  business,  any loss of occupancy or quiet enjoyment
of the Models, and any other loss occasioned thereby.

19.      Sales Reports.
         --------------

         19.1  Frequency.  Builder shall deliver the "Sales Reports" (as defined
in the Purchase  Agreement) to AMH once a month. The Sales Report shall be faxed
and then mailed to AMH promptly following its tabulation.  However,  at any time
demanded in writing  and in good faith by AMH,  Builder  shall  provide AMH with
additional sales reports,  if required by AMH. Such additional sales reports are
required to disclose only the same type of information as is found in,  repeated
in, or summarized in the Sales Reports.

         19.2 Confidentiality. AMH shall keep confidential all sales information
and Sales Reports  obtained from Builder and shall disclose it only to those who
(a)  legitimately and for a valid purpose require such information from AMH as a
condition to doing  business  with AMH, and (b) who likewise  enter into written
agreements  covenanting to keep such information  confidential  unless the prior
written  consent  of  Builder  to  disclose  same is  first  obtained.  Under no
circumstances  shall AMH  disclose  sales  information  to any home  builder  or
developer.

         19.3 Supplemental Reports. Promptly upon request, Builder shall deliver
to AMH copies of all escrow closing  statements and marketing reports (including
without  limitation  pricing  studies)  which  relate to the  Models,  which are
prepared in the ordinary  course of  Builder's  business and which relate to the
sales  and  marketing  of  homes  or  condominiums  within  a given  subdivision
designated  in the Model Chart,  as revised from time to time, in which there is
then one or more Models then covered hereunder.

20.      Liens.
         ------

         20.1  Generally.  Builder  shall  keep each  Model  free from any liens
arising out of work performed, materials furnished or obligations incurred by or
on behalf of  Builder.  Builder  shall  indemnify,  defend and hold AMH and each
Model harmless from any liens and encumbrances arising out of any work performed
or materials  furnished by or at the  direction of Builder.  If Builder fails to
obtain the release of any lien within twenty (20) days of its imposition AMH may
require  Builder to post a bond equal to the greater of (a) one  hundred  twenty
percent  (120%) of the amount of the lien or encumbrance or (b) such security as
may be required by local law in order to dispute the imposition of the lien, and
AMH shall  have the  right  (if  Builder  fails 
                                       12
<PAGE>
to post the bond),  but not the obligation,  to cause the same to be released by
such means as it shall deem proper,  including  payment of the claim giving rise
to such lien  notwithstanding  the fault or relative  fault of the parties.  All
such sums paid by AMH and all expenses  incurred by it in  connection  therewith
including attorney's fees and costs shall be payable to AMH by Builder on demand
with interest at the Interest Rate.

         20.2 Builder's  Right to Challenge.  Notwithstanding  the provisions of
Paragraph 20.1 above,  so long as Builder has posted  security as is required by
local  law to  challenge  the  imposition  of a lien of the  type  described  in
Paragraph  20.1 above and so long as Builder is  processing  its  challenge in a
diligent  manner which does not create a risk that the lien shall be  foreclosed
or which  prevents AMH from  selling the  Model(s) in question,  AMH shall allow
Builder to prosecute such challenge.  However,  AMH's cooperation with Builder's
challenge  shall not  constitute a waiver or release of any right of AMH against
Builder.  Builder shall be  responsible  in all respects for any and all damages
suffered  by AMH as a result of  Builder's  challenge.  AMH shall be entitled to
proceed directly against Builder to recover such damages; AMH is not required to
rely upon the posted security to make it whole in such matter.

         20.3  Notices  of  Non-Responsibility.  AMH shall have the right at all
times to post and keep posted on the Models any notices of non-responsibility or
other notices permitted or required by law for the protection of AMH, the Models
and other parties having an interest therein,  from liability for mechanics' and
materialmen's liens.

21.      Indemnity of AMH and Property by Builder.
         -----------------------------------------

         Builder  shall  indemnify  and hold AMH,  its  shareholders,  officers,
directors,   employees,  financial  partners,  and  lenders  ("AMH  and  Related
Persons")  and the  Models  harmless  from and  against  any and all  claims  of
liability  for any  injury or damage to any  person  or  property  arising  from
Builder's  prior  ownership  and/or use of the  Models,  or from the  conduct of
Builder's  business,  or from any  activity,  work or thing done,  permitted  or
suffered by Builder in or about the Models,  the Project or  elsewhere.  Builder
shall further indemnify and hold AMH and Related Persons and the Models harmless
from and  against any and all claims  arising  from any breach or default in the
performance  of any obligation of Builder to be performed  under this Lease,  or
arising from any  negligence  of Builder or  Builder's  agents,  contractors  or
employees,  and from and  against  all  costs,  attorney's  fees,  expenses  and
liabilities  incurred  in the  defense  of any  such  claim  or  any  action  or
proceeding  brought  thereon.  In the event any action or  proceeding is brought
against AMH or Related Persons by reason of any such claim, Builder, upon notice
from AMH or Related Persons,  shall defend same at Builder's  expense by counsel
reasonably  satisfactory to AMH or Related Persons.  Builder, as a material part
of the  consideration  to AMH and Related  Persons,  hereby  assumes all risk of
damage to property or injury to  persons,  in, upon or about the Models  arising
from any cause.  Except for the negligence or intentional  misconduct of AMH and
Related  Persons or its  contractors  or  employees,  Builder  hereby waives all
claims in respect  thereof  against AMH and Related  Persons.  Other than as set
forth  above,  Builder  hereby  indemnifies,  defends and agrees to hold AMH and
Related Persons harmless from any and all liability arising out of the ownership
of the Models during the Lease Term. In addition to the foregoing, Builder shall
indemnify  and hold 
                                       13
<PAGE>
AMH and Related  persons and their  successors  and  assigns  harmless  from and
against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, costs, expenses,
lawsuits  and  liabilities,  at  law or in  equity,  of  every  kind  or  nature
whatsoever,  directly or indirectly  arising out of or attributable to Hazardous
Materials  (as defined on Exhibit  "H"),  affecting  the Model(s) or the Project
including the use, generation,  storage, release, threatened release, discharge,
disposal  or  presence  of  Hazardous  Materials  on,  under or about the Models
(whether occurring prior to or during the term of the ownership of the Models by
AMH or otherwise  and  regardless  of by whom caused,  whether by Builder or any
predecessor  in title or any owner of land  adjacent  to the Models or any other
third party,  or any employee,  agent,  tenant of any other third party,  or any
employee,  agent,  tenant,  contractor  or  subcontractor  of  Builder,  or  any
predecessor  in  title or any  such  adjacent  land  owner)  including,  without
limitation; the following as they relate to the Model(s) or the Project(s):

                  1) Claims of third parties (including  governmental  agencies)
for  injury to or death of any  person or for  damage to or  destruction  of any
property;

                  2)  Claims  for  response  costs,  clean-up  costs,  costs and
expenses of removal and  restoration,  including  fees of attorneys and experts,
and costs of determining the existence of Hazardous Materials and reporting same
to any governmental agency;

                  3) Any and all  other  claims  for  expenses  or  obligations,
including  attorneys'  fees,  costs,  and other  expenses  related to  Hazardous
Materials and the Models;

                  4) Any and all  penalties  threatened,  sought or  imposed  on
account of a violation of any Hazardous Materials Laws;

                  5) Any  loss  occasioned  by  diminution  in the  value of the
Models  which may result from any of the  foregoing,  and (b) soils  settlement,
soils  subsidence,  and other soils  problems and defects.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  Builder's indemnification and defense obligations to AMH and Related
Persons  as set  forth in this  Paragraph  21  shall  not  apply  to any  claim,
liability,  loss or expense  arising  out of the acts,  including  negligent  or
intentional  wrongful acts, or failures to act by AMH and/or Related Persons, or
AMH's contractors or employees.

22.      Insurance.
         ----------

         22.1 Liability Insurance. The Builder shall, at Builder's sole cost and
expense,  procure  and  maintain  at all times  during  the term of this Lease a
policy of commercial general liability  insurance  insuring Builder,  and naming
AMH  as an  additional  insured,  against  any  liability  arising  out  of  the
ownership,  use, occupancy,  or maintenance of the Models and appurtenant areas.
Such insurance shall at all times be in an amount of not less than $1,000,000.00
for injury to or death of any one, or more than one,  person in any one accident
or occurrence,  and in an amount of not less than  $500,000.00 for liability for
property  damage.  Builder  shall  provide AMH with  certificates  of  insurance
evidencing such insurance  coverage prior to the applicable  Lease  Commencement
Date and whenever reasonably  requested by AMH. No policy of liability 
                                       14
<PAGE>
insurance  procured  by or on behalf of Builder as required  hereunder  shall be
cancelable or subject to reduction of coverage or other  modification  except at
Builder's  expense  after  thirty (30) days prior  written  notice to AMH by the
insurer.   All  such  policies  shall  be  written  as  primary  policies,   not
contributing  with and not in excess of  coverage  which AMH may carry.  Builder
shall,  within thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of such policy,  furnish
AMH with  evidence  of  renewals  or  binders.  Builder  shall have the right to
provide such insurance coverage pursuant to blanket policies obtained by Builder
provided such blanket  policies  expressly afford coverage for the Models and to
Builder as required by this Lease.

         22.2 Property Insurance.  Builder, at Builder's expense,  shall procure
and  maintain at all times during the term of this Lease a policy or policies of
insurance  covering  loss or  damage  to the  Models  in the  amount of the full
replacement  value thereof  (exclusive of Builder's trade fixtures and equipment
but including all options, extras and upgrades) providing protection against all
perils included within the classification of fire, extended coverage, vandalism,
malicious  mischief,  sprinkler  leakage and special extended peril  (all-risk).
Certificates  evidencing  such insurance  shall be delivered to AMH prior to the
Lease  Commencement  Date.  Such  insurance  shall  provide  for payment of loss
thereunder to AMH or secured lenders or  partners/financiers  as their interests
may appear.

         22.3 Waiver of  Subrogation.  AMH and Builder each hereby waive any and
all rights of recovery  against the other and against the  officers,  employees,
agents and representatives of the other, on account of loss or damage occasioned
to such  waiving  party of its  property  or the  property  of others  under its
control caused by fire or any of the extended  coverage risks described above to
the extent that such loss or damage is required to be insured against under this
Lease.  The  insuring  party  shall,  upon  obtaining  the policies of insurance
required under this Lease, give notice to the insurance carrier or carriers that
the foregoing mutual waiver of subrogation is contained in this Lease.

23.      Damage or Destruction.
         ----------------------

         If a Model is damaged, whether partially or completely, by any casualty
at any time during the Lease Term,  Builder  shall have the option of either (i)
repairing  such  damage  and  rebuilding  the Model at  Builder's  sole cost and
expense (for any costs not covered by insurance) as soon as reasonably  possible
and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect,  or (ii) terminating the
Lease by paying the  "Release  Price" for the Model as set forth in Exhibit  "C"
hereof.  In either event,  there shall be no abatement of Rent during any period
of repair or reconstruction unless caused by AMH. Furthermore the Model shall be
reconstructed to the same plans and specifications as originally constructed and
finished in first class, lien free and new condition.

24.      Assignment & Subletting.
         ------------------------

         24.1  AMH's  Consent  Required.  Builder  shall not  assign,  transfer,
mortgage,   pledge,   hypothecate  or  encumber  (referred  to  collectively  as
"Assignment") this Lease or any interest 
                                       15
<PAGE>
herein,  and shall not sublet the Models or any part thereof,  without the prior
written  consent of AMH,  and any attempt to do so without  such  consent  being
first had and  obtained  shall be wholly void and shall  constitute  a breach of
this  Lease,  subject  to  applicable  cure and  grace  periods.  The  foregoing
provisions  shall not apply to any  Assignment  by Builder to any  affiliate  or
successor  in interest of Builder,  and AMH's  consent  shall not be required so
long as Builder provides AMH with prior notice of such an Assignment.  Notice is
hereby  given  of  Builder's  and  Guarantor's  intention  to form  "drop  down"
subsidiaries  to  which  all  assets,   liabilities  and  obligations   will  be
transferred  concurrent with the Builder's and Guarantor's  merger into Homeplex
Mortgage Investment  Corporation  (Homeplex).  Homeplex will sign a guarantee of
the lease concurrently with the merger.  Notwithstanding  any contrary provision
herein,  AMH  shall  not  unreasonably  withhold  or delay  its  consent  to any
collateral  assignment or other  encumbrance  of the Lease by Builder to any and
all  institutional  lenders with loans secured by interests in the Projects from
time to time.

         24.2 No Release of  Builder.  No  consent by AMH to any  assignment  or
subletting  by Builder,  nor any  Assignment  to an affiliate of Builder,  shall
relieve  Builder of any  obligation  to be performed  by the Builder  under this
Lease, whether occurring before or after such consent, assignment, subletting or
after  Assignment  to an  affiliate  of  Builder.  The  consent  by  AMH  to any
assignment or subletting shall not relieve Builder from the obligation to obtain
AMH's  express  written  consent  to any other  assignment  or  subletting.  The
acceptance  of Rent by AMH from any  other  person  shall  not be deemed to be a
waiver  by AMH  of  any  provision  of  this  Lease  or to be a  consent  to any
assignment,  subletting or other transfer. Consent to one assignment, subletting
or other  transfer  shall not be deemed to constitute  consent to any subsequent
assignment, subletting or other transfer.

         24.3  Collateral  Assignment by AMH. AMH shall have the right,  without
obtaining  the consent of Builder,  to assign this Lease as collateral to secure
repayment  of  financing  obtained by AMH.  Such an  assignment  for  collateral
purposes shall not affect any of the rights and duties of the parties hereunder.

25.      Subordination.
         --------------

         25.1 Generally.  This Lease,  at AMH's  election,  shall be subject and
subordinate  to the lien of any  mortgages  or deeds of trust in any  amount  or
amounts  whatsoever  hereafter  placed on or against the land or improvements or
either thereof,  or on or against AMH's interest or estate therein,  without the
necessity of the execution and delivery of any further  instruments  on the part
of Builder to effectuate such subordination. Such election may be made by AMH by
unilaterally recording a declaration of subordination in the official records of
the county in which the Models are  located.  Such  recorded,  written  election
shall have the effect of  subordinating  this Lease to the  mortgage  or deed of
trust  described in such  election.  Any mortgagee or  beneficiary  of a deed of
trust may also elect to have this  Lease  prior to the lien of its  mortgage  or
deed of trust by giving notice thereof to AMH and to Builder.
                                       16
<PAGE>
         25.2  Subordination  Agreements/Non-Disturbance.  Builder covenants and
agrees to execute and deliver upon demand without charge  therefore such further
instruments  evidencing  such  subordination  of this Lease to such mortgages or
deeds of trust as may be  reasonably  required by AMH. If  requested,  AMH shall
provide  Builder with  non-disturbance  and attornment  agreements  from secured
parties for  Builder's  execution  concurrently  with closing and  executing the
lease.

         25.3 Quiet  Enjoyment.  AMH covenants and agrees with Builder that upon
Builder  paying Rent and other  monetary sums due under the Lease and performing
its covenants and conditions,  Builder shall and may peaceably and quietly have,
hold and enjoy the Models for the Lease Term.

         25.4  Covenant  to Pay.  So long as Builder has paid the rent when due,
AMH  covenants  and  agrees to pay when due the  obligations  under all Deeds of
Trust  encumbering  the  Models(s)  and in the event AMH  fails to  satisfy  any
obligation  under any said Deed of Trust,  Builder shall have the right, but not
the  obligation,  to cure any  said  default  and AMH  shall  reimburse  Builder
therefore, immediately on demand. AMH shall give Builder prior written notice of
any material  modifications to any deed of trust encumbering a model which would
materially affect Builder rights under this Lease.

26.      Default; Remedies.
         ------------------

         26.1 Default.  The  occurrence of any of the following  with respect to
any Model shall  constitute  a default of this Lease by Builder  with respect to
that Model, or, at the election of AMH, with respect to all the Models.

                  26.1.1 Any failure by Builder to pay the Rent under  Paragraph
4.1 and 4.2 above after  becoming  due, it being  understood  that BUILDER SHALL
HAVE NO GRACE PERIOD AND SUCH FAILURE SHALL BE AN IMMEDIATE DEFAULT HEREUNDER.

                  26.1.2  The  abandonment  or  vacation  of a Model by  Builder
without the written  consent of AMH as provided in Paragraph 5.2 above, it being
understood,  however,  that if Builder promptly  provides AMH with a Termination
Notice in connection with such vacation or  abandonment,  Builder shall have the
right to  terminate  the  Lease  for the Model in  question,  provided  that the
minimum  lease term,  as shown on Exhibit  "G",  has expired  or,  pursuant  and
subject to the  provisions of Paragraph 5.2 above,  in which event Builder shall
not be in default  hereunder  so long as (i)  Builder  pays AMH the  appropriate
Release Price for such Model, if applicable,  and (ii) Builder remains obligated
to pay Rent for such  Model  (with the Lease for such Model to remain in effect)
for a period of at least ninety (90) days beginning on the date the  Termination
Notice was  received by AMH.  Builder  shall have five (5) days after  receiving
written  notification from AMH to cure the unauthorized  abandonment or vacation
of a Model by 
                                       17
<PAGE>
Builder.  If Builder is in default under any  provisions  of this  Paragraph 26,
Builder may not terminate,  assign or transfer the lease on any unit nor attempt
to sell any unit without the prior written consent of AMH.

                  26.1.3 A failure by Builder to observe  and  perform any other
material  provisions  of this Lease to be observed or  performed by Builder with
respect to any Model, which failure continues for thirty (30) days after written
notification  from AMH to Builder of Builder's failure to observe or perform the
obligation in question; provided, however, if the nature of such default is such
that the same  cannot  reasonably  be cured  within such thirty (30) day period,
Builder  shall not be deemed to be in default if Builder,  within  such  period,
commences such cure and thereafter diligently prosecutes the same to completion.

                  26.1.4 A  default  by  Builder  of its  obligations  under the
Purchase  Agreement,  taking into account all applicable grace and cure periods,
including without limitation the obligations of Builder set forth in Paragraph 4
therein.

                  26.1.5  The making by Builder  of any  general  assignment  or
general  arrangement  for the  benefit  of  creditors;  the filing by or against
Builder of a petition to have  Builder  adjudged a bankrupt or of a petition for
reorganization or arrangement under any law relating to bankruptcy  (unless,  in
the case of a petition filed against Builder, the same is dismissed within sixty
(60) days);  the  appointment  of a trustee or receiver  to take  possession  of
substantially  all of Builder's  assets or of Builder's  interest in this Lease,
where  possession  is not restored to Builder  within  thirty (30) days;  or the
attachment,  execution  or  other  judicial  seizure  of  substantially  all  of
Builder's  assets or of  Builder's  interest in this Lease where such seizure is
not discharged  within thirty (30) days.  Builder may not terminate any lease on
any unit while a default exists under this Paragraph 26.1.5.

         26.2 Remedies. In the event of any such default by Builder with respect
to any  Model,  AMH may,  at any time  after any  applicable  grace  period  has
expired,  exercise any of the following rights and remedies with respect to that
Model or with  respect to all  Models,  with  notice  and  demand,  and  without
limiting  AMH in the  exercise of any right or remedy at law or in equity  which
AMH may have by reason of such default or breach:

                  26.2.1  Maintain  this  Lease in full  force  and  effect  and
recover  the Rent  and  other  monetary  charges  as they  become  due,  without
terminating Builder's right to possession, irrespective of whether Builder shall
have  abandoned  the  Model or other  Models.  In the  event  AMH  elects to not
terminate the Lease,  AMH shall have the right to attempt to re-let the Model or
the  Models  at such rent and upon  such  conditions  and for such a term as AMH
deems desirable.  In this connection,  AMH shall have the right to enter into an
agreement to sell the Model or Models,  and AMH shall have the right to take all
acts  necessary  to  maintain  or  preserve  the  Model or  Models  as AMH deems
reasonable  and necessary  without being deemed to have elected to terminate the
Lease, including removal of all persons and property from the Model or Models by
lawful means;  such property may be removed and stored in a public  warehouse or
elsewhere  at the cost of and for the account of Builder.  In the event any such
reletting occurs,  this Lease shall terminate  automatically upon the new tenant
taking possession of the Model or 
                                       19
<PAGE>
Models.   If  AMH  sells  the  Model  or  Models,   the  Lease  shall  terminate
automatically upon the close of escrow for such Model or Models.

                  26.2.2  Terminate  Builder's right to possession of a Model or
Models by any lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Builder
shall immediately surrender possession of the designated Model or Models to AMH.
In such event AMH shall be entitled to recover from Builder all damages incurred
by AMH by reason of Builder's default including without limitation thereto,  the
following:  (a) the amount of any unpaid  Rent which had been earned at the time
of such termination by AMH plus interest thereon from the date of the default at
the rate of 18% per annum,  plus (b) the  amount by which the unpaid  rent which
would have been earned after  termination by AMH until the time of award exceeds
the amount of such Rental loss that is proved could have been reasonably avoided
plus  interest  on such  excess  from  the  date of  termination  at the rate of
eighteen percent (18%) per annum by law; plus (c) the amount by which the unpaid
Rent for the  balance  of the Lease  Term  after the time of award  exceeds  the
amount of such  rental  loss  that is  proved  could be  reasonably  avoided  by
reletting  or selling  or  otherwise;  plus (d) any other  amount  necessary  to
compensate AMH for all the detriment  proximately caused by Builder's failure to
perform  its  obligations  under this Lease or which in the  ordinary  course of
things would be likely to result  therefrom;  plus (e) at AMH's  election,  such
other  amounts in addition to or in lieu of the  foregoing  as may be  permitted
from  time to time by  applicable  state  law.  Upon  any such  termination  and
re-entry AMH shall have the right to make any reasonable repairs, alterations or
modifications  to the Models which AMH in its sole discretion  deems  reasonable
and  necessary.   As  used  in  clause  (c)  of  the  second  sentence  of  this
subparagraph, the "worth at the time of award" is computed by discounting future
rents  payable for the  remainder of the Lease Term at the discount  rate of the
U.S. Federal Reserve bank at the time of award plus one percent (1%).

         26.3 Late Charges.  Builder  hereby  acknowledges  that late payment by
Builder  to AMH of Rent and other  sums due  hereunder  will  cause AMH to incur
costs  not  contemplated  by this  Lease,  the  exact  amount  of which  will be
extremely  difficult to ascertain.  Such costs include,  but are not limited to,
processing and  accounting  charges and late charges which may be imposed on AMH
by the terms of any mortgage or trust deed covering the Models.  Accordingly, if
any  installment of Rent or any other sum due from Builder shall not be received
by AMH or AMH's designee when due,  Builder shall pay to AMH a late charge equal
to six percent (6%) of such overdue  amount.  The parties hereby agree that such
late  charge  represents  a fair and  reasonable  estimate of the costs AMH will
incur by reason of late  payment by Builder.  Acceptance  of such late charge by
AMH shall in no event  constitute a waiver of Builder's  default with respect to
such overdue amount, nor prevent AMH from exercising any of the other rights and
remedies granted hereunder.

         26.4  Default by AMH.  AMH shall not be in default  unless AMH fails to
perform obligations required of AMH after receiving notification of such failure
from  Builder.  However,  if  the  cure  of  the  default  cannot  be  completed
immediately,  AMH shall have a reasonable period of time to complete the cure of
such default  provided that (a) AMH  commences to cure such default  immediately
upon  receipt  of  Builder's   notice,   and  (b)  AMH  diligently  and  without
interruption pursues such cure to completion.
                                       19
<PAGE>
         26.5 No Waiver of Remedies.  AMH's exercise of any remedy  provided for
herein with respect to a Model or the Models  shall not preclude  pursuit of any
other remedy  provided for herein or of any other remedy  provided by law. AMH's
exercise of any remedy  provided for herein shall not constitute a forfeiture or
waiver of any monthly  installment  of Rent  payable to AMH  hereunder or of any
damages  accruing to AMH by reason of  Builder's  violation of any of the terms,
provisions and covenants herein contained.  Forbearance by AMH to enforce one or
more of the  remedies  herein  provided  shall  not be deemed  or  construed  to
constitute a waiver of any other  violation or default.  The loss or damage that
AMH may suffer by reason of termination of this Lease or the deficiency from any
reletting  as  provided  for above shall  include  the expense of  repossession,
necessary travel costs from Orange County,  California to the Model or Models to
take such  action as may be  required,  the  costs of  Conversion,  the costs of
(reletting  including brokers  commissions),  marketing costs (including brokers
commissions),  any necessary  alterations or repairs undertaken by AMH following
possession,  reasonable  attorneys  fees, and all other damages AMH may incur by
reason of such default. The prevailing party in any suit or other action arising
out of or in connection with this Lease shall be awarded  reasonable  attorneys'
fees,  reasonable  expert and non-expert  witness costs and expenses,  and other
reasonable costs and expenses,  including  reasonable travel costs,  incurred in
connection with that suit.

27.      Guaranty.
         ---------

         AMH and Builder  acknowledge  and agree that the delivery by Builder to
AMH of a guaranty of Builder's  obligations  pursuant to the Purchase  Agreement
and this Lease,  executed by the Guarantor identified in Exhibit "F" attached to
the Purchase Agreement,  is a material  consideration for AMH's execution of the
Purchase Agreement and this Lease and that AMH would not execute and deliver the
Purchase   Agreement  and  this  Lease  but  for  such  guaranty.   Accordingly,
concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Purchase  Agreement and this
Lease by Builder,  Builder shall deliver to AMH a written  guaranty  executed by
Guarantor in the form of Exhibit "F" attached to the Purchase Agreement.

28.      Miscellaneous.
         --------------

         28.1 Estoppel  Certificate.  Builder  shall,  at any time upon not less
than ten (10) days  prior  written  notice  from AMH  execute,  acknowledge  and
deliver  to AMH a  statement  in  writing  (a)  certifying  that  this  Lease is
unmodified and in full force and effect (or, if modified,  stating the nature of
such  modification  and certifying that this Lease,  as so modified,  is in full
force and effect)  and the date to which the Rent and other  charges are paid in
advance,  if any,  and (b)  acknowledging  that  there  are  not,  to  Builder's
knowledge, any uncured defaults on the part of AMH hereunder, or specifying such
defaults if any are claimed.  Any such statement may be conclusively relied upon
by a prospective purchaser or encumbrancer of the Model(s). Builder's failure to
deliver such  statement  within such time shall be  conclusive  upon Builder (a)
that this Lease is in full force and effect,  without modification except as may
be  represented  by AMH,  (b)  that  there  are no  uncured  defaults  in  AMH's
performances  and (c) that  not more  than  one  month's  
                                       20
<PAGE>
Rent has been paid in  advance.  If AMH  desires to finance  or  refinance  said
Models,  or any part  thereof,  Builder  hereby  agrees to deliver to any lender
designated  by  AMH  such  public  financial  statements  of  Builder  as may be
reasonably  required by such  lender.  All such  financial  statements  shall be
received by AMH in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set
forth.

         28.2 Entire  Agreement.  This  instrument  along with any  exhibits and
attachments  hereto, and along with the Purchase Agreement and Exhibits thereto,
constitutes the entire agreement between AMH and Builder relative to the Models,
and this Lease and the  exhibits  and  attachments  may be  altered,  amended or
revoked only by an instrument in writing signed by both AMH and Builder. AMH and
Builder  agree  hereby  that  all  prior  or  contemporaneous  oral  or  written
agreements  between  and among  themselves  and their  agents or  representative
relative to the leasing of the Models are merged in or revoked by this Lease.

         28.3 Severability. If any term or provision of this Lease shall, to any
extent,  be  determined  by a court of competent  jurisdiction  to be invalid or
unenforceable,  the remainder of this Lease shall not be affected  thereby,  and
each term and  provision  of this Lease  shall be valid and  enforceable  to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

         28.4  Costs  of  Suit.  Should  AMH be made a party  to any  litigation
instituted by any third party against  Builder and/or AMH,  arising out of AMH's
ownership  of the  models,  or for the  foreclosure  of any  lien  for  labor or
material  furnished to or for Builder or any such other person  acting on behalf
of Builder or otherwise  arising out of or resulting from any act or transaction
of Builder or of any such other person, acting on behalf of the Builder, Builder
covenants to save and hold AMH harmless from any judgment  rendered  against AMH
or the Models, or any part thereof,  and from all costs and expenses,  including
reasonable  attorneys'  fees,  incurred  by AMH in or in  connection  with  such
litigation. Any liens created by AMH shall be the sole responsibility of AMH.

         28.5 Binding Effect; Choice of Law. All of the provisions of this Lease
shall be binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties  hereto and their
respective  heirs,  legal  representatives,  successors and assigns.  This Lease
shall be deemed executed in the State of California and the laws of the State of
California  shall govern this Lease. All disputes with Builder shall be resolved
in the court of appropriate jurisdiction in the State of California.

         28.6  Surrender of Models.  The  voluntary  or other  surrender of this
Lease, or a mutual cancellation thereof,  shall not work a merger, and shall, at
the option of AMH, terminate all or any existing  subleases or subtenancies,  or
may,  at the option of AMH,  operate as an  assignment  to it of any or all such
subleases or subtenancies.

         28.7 Holding Over. If Builder  remains in possession of all or any part
of the Models after the expiration of the Lease Term hereof, with or without the
express or implied  consent of AMH,  such  tenancy  shall be from month to month
only, and not a renewal hereof or an extension for any further term, and in such
case,  Rent and other monetary sums due hereunder shall be payable in the amount
and at the time specified in this Lease and such month to month tenancy 
                                       21
<PAGE>
shall be subject to every other term,  covenant and agreement  contained herein.
Notwithstanding  anything  contained in the immediately  preceding  sentence but
subject to paragraph  5.2.1 above,  after the  expiration of the Lease Term with
respect  to any  Model,  AMH may  terminate  Builder's  tenancy in that Model by
giving Builder ten (10) days written notice of the termination.

         28.8 Recording. Builder shall not record this Lease nor a memorandum of
this Lease,  and such  recordation  shall,  at the option of AMH,  constitute  a
non-curable default of Builder hereunder.

         28.9 Notices.  All notices,  requests,  demands and other communication
given or  required  to be given  hereunder  shall be in writing  and  personally
delivered or sent by United States  registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested,  or sent by  nationally  recognized  courier  service such as Federal
Express.  The parties may also deliver  notices to each other by  electronically
transmitted facsimile copies ("FAX").  Notices shall be addressed to the parties
to the  respective  addresses  set forth below.  Delivery of any notice or other
communication  hereunder  shall be deemed  made on the date of  actual  delivery
thereof to the address of the  addressee,  if personally  delivered,  and on the
date  indicated  in the  return  receipt  or  courier's  records  as the date of
delivery or as the date of first attempted delivery,  if sent by mail or courier
service. Any notice sent by FAX shall be deemed to be received as of the receipt
of such FAX by a party,  provided  that such FAX  notice is  followed  up within
twenty-four  (24)  hours by any type of notice  otherwise  provided  for in this
Paragraph  28.9. Any party may change its address for purposes of this Paragraph
28.9 by giving notice to the other party as herein provided.

         TO BUILDER:       MONTEREY HOME CORPORATION
                           6613 Scottsdale Road
                           Suite 200
                           Scottsdale, AZ  85250
                           Attn:   Larry Seay
                           (602) 998-8700 (PHONE)    (602) 998-9162 (FAX)

                           and

                           Tim White
                           Tiffany and Bosco
                           500 Dial Tower
                           1800 North Central Avenue
                           Phoenix, Arizona 85004
                           (602) 255-6000
                           (602)255-0103 FAX

         TO AMH:           c/o AMHM-1, L.P.
                           6 Upper Newport Plaza
                           Newport Beach, CA  92660
                           Attn:  Tim Jagemann
                           (714) 252-8350 (PHONE)    (714) 252-0828 (FAX)
                                       22
<PAGE>
         28.10 Time.  Time is of the  essence of this Lease with  respect to the
performance  of every  provision of the Lease in which time of  performance is a
factor.

         28.11  Reasonableness.  Whenever this Lease permits any party the right
to request or  require  documents  or other  information,  such party  shall act
reasonably and in good faith.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, AMH and Builder have each executed this Lease as of
the date first indicated above.

                  AMH:           AMHM-1, L.P., a California limited partnership

Date of Execution:               By: AMHW Corp., a California corporation
 Dec. 20, 1996                   General Partner
- ---------------

                                 By: /s/ Paul N. Donnelly
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                          Paul N. Donnelly, President

                                 By: /s/ Tim Jagemann
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                          Tim Jagemann, Executive Vice President

                  BUILDER:       MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC.
                                          an Arizona Corporation


Date of Execution:               By: /s/ Larry Seay VP
 12/20/96                          --------------------------------------------
- ---------------                          Larry Seay, Vice President

                                 By: /s/ Clyde Dinnell
                                   --------------------------------------------
                                         Clyde Dinnell
                                       23
<PAGE>
                                List of Exhibits
                                ----------------

Exhibit "A"       Model Chart and Purchase Price Schedule

Exhibit "B"       Early Termination Release Prices

Exhibit "C"       Form of Sales Report

Exhibit "D"       Form of Acknowledgment of Lease Term Expiration

Exhibit "E"       Buyer's Addendum #1 to Real Estate Purchase Contract

Exhibit "F"       Guarantee

Exhibit "G"       Minimum Lease Term and Termination Schedule

Exhibit "H"       Hazardous Materials Laws and Hazardous Materials Definition

<PAGE>
                                   Model Chart
                                  Phoenix - 1
                                  Exhibit "A"
                                    MONTERY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMH / Monterey Homes - Phoenix
                                                                                                   Annual Rent
House               Model    Plan  Lot                                                              Total AMH    LIBOR +    Lease
 #   Subdivision    Name      #     #        Address                  Town          State Sq. Ft.     AMH       640 b.p.    Term
                                                                                                     Price    Monthly Rent
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                 12.0%
                                                                                                                  (1)
<S>  <C>           <C>       <C>   <C>  <C>                           <C>            <C> <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>     
1    Canada Vistas Cancun    9312  16   8853 E. Calle Del Palo Verde  Scottsdale     AZ   2,905   $   355,000   $ 3,550   6 Months
2    Grayhawk      Siena     9525  112  21055 N. 73rd Place           Scottsdale     AZ   2,885   $   260,000   $ 2,600   1 Year (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3    Palos Verdes  Valencia  9527  3    5122 E. Wallace Avenue        Phoenix        AZ   3,047   $   270,000   $ 2,700   6 Months
4    Palos Verdes  Montecito 9522  5    5114 E. Wallace Avenue        Phoenix        AZ   2,298   $   200,000   $ 2,000   6 Months
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5    Sunridge      Veracruz  9317  25   13637 N. Mesquite Lane        Fountain Hills AZ   3,710   $   440,000   $ 4,440   1 Year (2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     PHOENIX TOTAL                                       14,845   $ 1,525,000   $15,250
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMH / Monterey Homes - TUCSON


                                                                                                          Annual Rent
House               Model      Plan   Lot                                                        Total      LIBOR +       Lease
 #     Subdivision  Name        #      #                Address           Town   State Sq. Ft.    AMH       640 b.p.      Term
                                                                                                 Price    Monthly Rent
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             12.0%
                                                                                                              (1)
<C>    <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>  <C>                          <C>      <C>  <C>    <C>          <C>          <C>
1      The Estates  Ventana    9403    38   2650 N. Castle Rock Drive    Tucson   AZ    4,279   $405,000    $4,050      1 Year (2)
2      The Estates  Taos       9402    39   2670 N. Castle Rock Drive    Tucson   AZ    3,672   $435,000    $4,350      1 Year (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3      The Retreat  Palazzo    9523   360   2273 N. Split Rock Place     Tucson   AZ    2,372   $225,000    $2,250      1 Year (2)
4      The Retreat  Valencia   9526   361   2257 N. Split Rock Place     Tucson   AZ    3,047   $290,000    $2,900      1 Year (2)
5      The Retreat  Flores     9521   362   2241 N. Split Rock Place     Tucson   AZ    1,968   $230,000    $2,700      1 Year (2)
6      The Retreat  Montecito  9522   363   2225 N. Split Rock Place     Tucson   AZ    2,298   $220,000    $2,200      1 Year (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7      The Park     Barbados   9311   305   2241 N. Catalina Vista Loop  Tucson   AZ    2,630   $260,000    $2,600        1 Year
8      The Park     Veracruz   9317   306   2229 N. Catalina Vista Loop  Tucson   AZ    3,710   $355,000    $3,550        1 Year
9      The Park     Cancun     9312   307   2217 N. Catalina Vista Loop  Tucson   AZ    2,905   $280,000    $2,800        1 Year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          TUCSON  TOTAL                                26,881 $2,700,000   $27,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          MONTEREY TOTAL                               41,726 $4,225,000   $42,250
</TABLE>


(1)  Start  rate of 11.5%  annual  rate for  initial 3 months,  then  adjustable
     monthly based on 90 LIBOR + 650 basis points 
(2)  Lease term of one (1) year plus up to two (2) six (6) month options
<PAGE>
                                 Monterey Homes
                                  Phoenix - 1
                                  Exhibit "B"
                                     L8EX6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMH / Monterey Homes - Phoenix
                                                                                                                 Early       Minimum
House                     Model        Plan     Lot                                                           Termination     Sales
 #     Subdivision        Name          #        #              Address                  Town          State     Price        Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>    <C>                <C>          <C>      <C>    <C>                              <C>              <C>    <C>         <C>     
 1     Canada Vistas      Cancun       9312     16     8853 E. Calle Del Palo Verde     Scottsdale       AZ     $405,000    $400,000
 2     Grayhawk           Siena        9525     112    21055 N. 73rd Place              Scottsdale       AZ     $305,000    $300,000
 3     Palos Verdes       Valencia     9527     3      5122 E. Wallace Avenue           Phoenix          AZ     $305,000    $300,000
 4     Palos Verdes       Montecito    9522     5      5114 E. Wallace Avenue           Phoenix          AZ     $235,000    $230,000
 5     Sunridge Canyon    Veracruz     9317     25     13637 N. Mesquite Lane           Fountain  Hills  AZ     $495,000    $490,000
                                                                                              
AMH / Monterey Homes - Tucson
                                                                                                                  (1)         (2)
                                                                                                                 Early      Minimum
House                     Model        Plan     Lot                                                           Termination    Sales
 #      Subdivision       Name          #        #             Address                  Town           State     Price       Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1      The Estates        Ventana      9403       38   2650 N. Castle Rock Drive        Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
2      The Estates        Taos         9402       39   2670 N. Castle Rock Drive        Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
3      The Retreat        Palazzo      9523      360   2273 N. Split Rock Place         Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
4      The Retreat        Valencia     9526      361   2257 N. Split Rock Place         Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
5      The Retreat        Flores       9521      362   2241 N. Split Rock Place         Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
6      The Retreat        Montecito    9522      363   2225 N. Split Rock Place         Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
7      The Park           Barbados     9311      305   2241 N. Catalina Vista Loop      Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
8      The Park           Veracruz     9317      306   2229 N. Catalina Vista Loop      Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
9      The Park           Cancun       9312      307   2217 N. Catalina Vista Loop      Tucson         AZ         (1)         (2)
</TABLE>

(1)  Appraised value as determined by independent  apprisal at the time of Lease
     Termination Notice, plus $5,000.00

(2)  Appraised value as determined by independent appraisal at the time of Lease
     Termination Notice.
<PAGE>
                                  EXHIBIT "C"


                                   [OMITTED]
<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT "D"


                 FORM OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF LEASE TERM EXPIRATION


                                          House No. ____________________________

                                          Builder: _____________________________

                                          City: ________________________________

1.       City: _________________________________________________________________

2.       Name of Project: ______________________________________________________

3.       Legal Description:

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________


The  Lease  Expiration  Date for the  Model  described  above was or will be the
_____day of _____________, 19____.

Dated: ___________________________

AMHM-1, L.P., a California                  MONTEREY HOMES ARIZONA II, INC.
limited partnership                         an Arizona Corporation

By:      AMHW Corp., a California           By: _____________________________
         corporation,                       Its: _____________________________
         its general partner

         By: _____________________________  By: _____________________________
         Its: _____________________________ Its: _____________________________
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT "E"

                  Addendum #1 to Real Estate Purchase Contract
                  --------------------------------------------

This Addendum,  when executed  together with the Real Estate  Purchase  Contract
(the  "Contract")  will further  describe the terms and  understandings  between
Buyer and Seller concerning the property at:

         Address:_____________________________________________________

IMPORTANT:  The Terms and Conditions of This Addendum Shall  Supersede Any Terms
and Conditions to the Contrary in the Real Estate Purchase Contract:

1. Buyer understands that the above referenced property has been used as a model
home and / or sales  facility by Monterey  Homes  ("Builder").  Considering  the
purpose of a display model home,  Buyer  understands  that although the home has
not been used as a  residence,  there is a  certain  amount of wear and / or use
that prevents Seller from warranting this property as a new home.

2. Since the model may have been constructed with certain options,  features and
landscaping,  along with  decorator  items which are not  available  through the
Builder  and,  since the date  these  items  were  installed,  there  exists the
possibility that these options or items have been changed or discontinued due to
availability,  the Seller cannot  warrant or be responsible  for  replacement of
these items other than what is specifically written in the Agreement.

3. Seller agrees to provide the Buyer with a one-year  home  warranty  effective
upon  closing  or  settlement  and the  remainder  of the  Builder's  structural
warranty applicable to the home, if any. The one-year warranty shall be either a
commercially  available  warranty from a reliable  company selected by Seller or
the Builder's warranty. The terms and Conditions of the warranty(s) shall be per
the Warranty Booklet(s) issued to Buyer at settlement or close of escrow.

4.       EXTERIOR

         LANDSCAPING - Builder may have installed and  maintained  various types
of trees and shrubs and ground  cover.  There is no warranty on any  landscaping
items. Seller agrees to maintain the property in a diligent manner up to closing
or  settlement.  Any necessary  replacement  of trees,  shrubs,  plants or grass
during  the  escrow  period  will  be at the  sole  discretion  of  the  Seller.
Replacements  may not be  restricted to same size or type of  landscaping  being
replaced.

         SPRINKLER  SYSTEM - Underground  sprinkler  systems and related devices
are not covered by warranty and are the sole  responsibility of Buyer from close
of escrow.  Any adjustments or changes in the system after closing or settlement
are the Buyer's responsibility.

         CONCRETE DRIVES, WALKS AND PATIOS - Buyer accepts "AS IS".

         LIGHTING-Builder  may have  attached  additional  exterior  lights  for
display  purposes.  Seller will warrant  these as pa rt of the standard one year
warranty.  Other  lighting  not  attached  to the home  will be  removed  at the
Builder's  discretion and electrical  capped off. Exterior light bulbs or globes
are not warranted.

5.       INTERIOR

         SALES OFFICES AND DESIGN CENTERS - If areas of the interior of the home
have been used as a sales  office,  design  center or other model  related  use,
Seller will make  modifications to the space to conform with production homes of
the same  model  and such  work  shall be  complete  at the time of  closing  or
settlement.
                                        1
<PAGE>
         HARD FLOOR COVERING & CARPETING - Since the model homes receive a great
amount of foot traffic from interested buyers, there is no warranty coverage for
minor wear, stains, scratches or discoloration due to fading. The carpet will be
professionally cleaned prior to closing or settlement for your convenience.

         WALLS  - The  models  may be  displayed  with  various  types  of  wall
treatments,  including special decorator paints, wallpaper,  paneling,  built-in
shelves,  draperies or partial window coverings. The wallpaper and paneling will
be  accepted  "AS IS".  Cabinets  and  countertops  throughout  the home will be
accepted  "AS IS" with  Buyer's  acknowledgment  that minor wear,  scratches  or
discoloration  could  exist.  Buyer  understands  that  nails or nail  holes for
pictures  do exist  and  there is  possible  fading  around  non-permanent  wall
decorations which are not included in this sale. Built-in units are accepted "AS
IS" and are not  the  responsibility  of  Seller  past  closing  or  settlement.
Draperies and window coverings are decorator items.  Buyer understands that some
are functional and some may not be functional but decorative only. Buyer accepts
these items "AS IS".  Buyer  should be aware that  installation  of these window
coverings might not support any additional  draperies without  reinforcements of
rods to the wall.  Walls painted any other than Builder's  standard  "white" may
not be  accurately  matched  and will not be  touched  up  prior to  closing  or
settlement.  Any repairs by Seller that involve or affect a decorator  treatment
will not obligate Seller to match or replace that treatment.
Seller may make substitutions at Seller's discretion.

6.  GARAGE - If the  garage  has been used as a sales  office or for some  other
model  related  use,  Seller  will make  modifications  to conform  with  normal
production  homes and such work  shall be  complete  at the time of  closing  or
settlement.

7. FENCING - Seller will  provide  rear yard  fencing to conform with  Builder's
normal  fencing  policy,  if any.  Material  will be the  same  as  included  in
production  homes delivered by Builder and the work shall be complete at time of
close of escrow or settlement.

8.  MISCELLANEOUS  - Buyer  understands  that for  security or control  purposes
Builder has made some modifications to the property or home. These include,  but
are not limited to: windows screwed shut,  installation of additional  walks and
installation of wrought iron trap fences in the front yards.  Seller will remove
screws from windows,  remove additional  walkways in front yard and trap fences.
Minor touch up will be done at Seller's  discretion  and is not an obligation of
Seller.  Builder may have obtained  various use permits or variances  from local
governing  bodies to  merchandise  the model homes.  Buyer agrees to hold Seller
harmless in their  application or use by Buyer.  Buyer agrees to allow Seller to
change any item required by governing agencies to conform to code.



AGREED AND ACCEPTED:

SELLER.-   AMHM-1, L. P.                         BUYER:_______________________

By:      AMHW Corp.                                    _______________________
Its:     General Partner

By:______________________________

Its:_____________________________

                                        2
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Guarantee as of the
date and year first set forth above.

                                  AMHM-1, L.P., a California limited partnership

                                  By:       AMHW CORP., a California corporation
                                            its general partner

                                             By:________________________________

                                             Its:_______________________________

Guarantor:                          MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION II, INC.
                                    an Arizona Corporation

                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________


                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________


                                    MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION I, INC.
                                    an Arizona Corporation

                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________


                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________


Signature  blocks  continued  on  page  five  and  incorporated  as part of this
agreement.
                                        4
<PAGE>



                                    MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION
                                    an Arizona Corporation

                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________


                                    By:_________________________________________

                                    Its:________________________________________

                                       5
<PAGE>
                                   Exhibit "F"

                                              Transaction No.:       22
                                                      Builder:       Monterey
                                                         City:       Phoenix, AZ
                                                                     Tucson, AZ



                               GUARANTEE AGREEMENT

This Guarantee  Agreement  ("Guarantee")  is made and entered into this ________
day of  December,  1996,  by and between  AMHM-1,  L.P.,  a  California  limited
partnership ("AMH") and MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION II, INC., and to be executed
by MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION I, INC., and MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION,  Arizona
Corporations upon consummation of the merger ("Guarantor").

                                    RECITALS

A. AMH has entered into a certain Revolving Model Home Purchase  Agreement and a
Revolving  Model Home Lease Back Agreement with Monterey Homes Arizona II, Inc.,
an Arizona corporation (the "Purchase  Agreement",  the "Lease", and "Builder").
The  Purchase  Agreement  and the  Lease to which  this  Guarantee  relates  are
designated by the same Transaction Number as this Guarantee.

B. The parties  have agreed that  Guarantor,  which is the parent,  affiliate or
successor in interest of Builder, shall guarantee all the obligations of Builder
under the Purchase Agreement and the Lease.

Now therefore, for good and valuable consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows.

         1.   Independent  and   Unconditional   Guarantee.   Guarantor   hereby
independently and unconditionally  guarantees all the obligations of the Builder
under the Purchase  Agreement and the Lease.  This  Guarantee  creates joint and
several liabilities and obligations. AMH need not first make demand upon Builder
nor shall AMH be required to exercise or exhaust any rights or remedies  against
Builder under the Purchase  Agreement or the Lease Agreement prior to seeking to
enforce the same against Guarantor.

         2. Independent  Remedies Against Guarantor.  If Builder fails to remedy
any default in the Purchase  Agreement or Lease,  AMH may pursue any remedies at
law or in equity  against  Guarantor,  without  having to proceed  first against
Builder, and Guarantor shall be jointly and severally liable to AMH with Builder
for all expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred by AMH and all amounts paid
by AMH in taking any such  action or  obtaining  the  performance  of Builder or
Guarantor.
                                       1
<PAGE>
         3. No Releases. AMH and Builder may without notice to or the consent of
Guarantor,  at any time and from  time to time (a) amend  any  provision  of the
Purchase  Agreement  or  the  Lease  or  any  other  documents   evidencing  the
obligations  of Builder under the Purchase  Agreement or Lease,  or (b) make any
agreement  with Builder to  compromise,  discharge  or release  Builder from any
obligations under the Purchase Agreement or the Lease, and the guarantee made by
Guarantor  shall not be impaired or affected by any of the foregoing.  Guarantor
hereby  waives any and all legal  requirements  that AMH institute any action or
proceeding  at law or in equity  against  Builder prior to proceeding to enforce
this  Guarantee  as a condition  precedent  to  bringing  an action  against the
Guarantor pursuant to this Guarantee. Until all obligations of Builder under the
Lease have been fulfilled in every way,  Guarantor  shall not be released by any
act or thing which might, but for this Guarantee, be deemed a legal or equitable
discharge  of a surety  including  any act by AMH which might have the effect of
destroying  Guarantor's rights of subrogation  against Builder,  or by reason of
any waiver, extension, modification,  forbearance or delay of AMH or its failure
to proceed promptly or otherwise against either Builder or Guarantor.  Guarantor
hereby  expressly waives and surrenders any defense to this liability under this
Guarantee based upon any of the foregoing acts, things, agreements or waivers.

         4. Cumulative Remedies.  All remedies afforded to AMH by reason of this
Guarantee  are  separate  and  cumulative  remedies  and none of such  remedies,
whether  exercised by AMH or not,  shall be deemed to be in exclusion of any one
of the  other  remedies  available  to AMH,  and  shall  not in any way limit or
prejudice any other legal or equitable remedy available to AMH.

         5. Release Upon Satisfaction of Obligations.  Notwithstanding  anything
herein   contained,   this  Guarantee  shall  become  null  and  void  upon  the
satisfaction  of all  duties of Builder  under the  Purchase  Agreement  and the
Lease,  at which time, AMH shall return all original copies of this Guarantee to
Guarantor and deliver to Guarantor  such  instrument of release as Guarantor may
reasonably request.

         6.  Notices.  All notices,  requests,  demands and other  communication
given or  required  to be given  hereunder  shall be in writing  and  personally
delivered or sent by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, or
sent by  nationally  recognized  courier  service such as Federal  Express.  The
parties may also  deliver  notices to each other by  electronically  transmitted
facsimile copies ("Fax"). Notices shall be addressed as follows:

         To AMH:                         c/o AMHM-1, L.P.
                                         6 Upper Newport Plaza
                                         Newport Beach, CA  92660
                                         ATTN.:   Tim Jagemann
                                         (714) 252-8350;  (714) 252-0828 (Fax)
                                       2
<PAGE>
         To Guarantor:                   Monterey Home Corporation
                                         6613 Scottsdale Road, Suite 200
                                         Scottsdale, AZ  85250
                                         ATTN.:     Larry Seay
                                         (602) 998-8700
                                         (602) 998-9162 (FAX)

                                                  and

                                         Tim White
                                         Tiffany and Bosco
                                         500 Dial Tower
                                         1800 North Central Avenue
                                         Phoenix, AZ 85004
                                         (602)255-6000
                                         (602)255-0103 (FAX)

Delivery of any notice or other communication  hereunder shall be deemed made on
the  date of  actual  delivery  thereof  to the  address  of the  addressee,  if
personally  delivered,  and on the  date  indicated  in the  return  receipt  or
courier's  records  as the date of  delivery  or as the date of first  attempted
delivery,  if sent by mail or courier  service.  Any notice sent by FAX shall be
deemed to be received as of the receipt of such FAX by a party,  provided  that,
such FAX  notice is  followed  up within  twenty-four  (24) hours by any type of
notice  otherwise  provided  for in this  Paragraph.  Any party may  change  its
address for purposes of this  Paragraph  by giving  notice to the other party as
herein provided.

         7.  Choice  of Law.  This  Guarantee  is and  shall be  deemed  to be a
contract  entered into pursuant to the laws of the State of California and shall
in all respects be governed,  construed, applied and enforced in accordance with
the laws  thereof.  All  disputes  shall be resolved in a court of law in Orange
County, California.

         8. Successors and Assigns. This Guarantee shall inure to the benefit of
AMH and the  successors  and assigns of AMH in and to that property which is the
subject of the Purchase Agreement and the Lease. No consent of either Builder or
Guarantor  is required  for any  assignment  by AMH of its rights in and to such
property.  This  Guarantee  shall be binding upon the  successors and assigns of
Guarantor.

         9. Counterpart Execution. This Guarantee may be executed in two or more
counterpart copies, all of which when taken together,  shall constitute original
copies and one and the same document.
                                       3
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have executed this Guarantee as of the
date and year first set forth above.

                                 AMHM-1, L.P., a California limited partnership

                                 By:   AMHW CORP., a California corporation
                                        its general partner

                                        By:        _____________________________

                                        Its:       _____________________________

         Guarantor:              MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION II, INC.
                                 an Arizona Corporation

                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________


                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________


                                 MONTEREY HOMES CONSTRUCTION I, INC.
                                 an Arizona Corporation

                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________


                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________



signature  blocks  continued  on  page  five  and  incorporated  as part of this
agreement.
                                       4
<PAGE>

                                 MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION
                                 an Arizona Corporation

                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________


                                 By:      _________________________________

                                 Its:     _________________________________

                                       5
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT "G"

                  Estimated Lease Term and Termination Schedule

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Estimated
                                                                                Lease            Maximum
                           Model                                                Termination      Mandatory
         Project           Name             Address                             Date             Lease Term*
         -------           ----             -------                             ----             -----------

<C>     <C>               <C>              <C>                                   <C>               <C>
1.       Canada Vistas     Cancun           8853 E. Calle Del Palo Verde, Phoenix 07/01/97         6 Months

2.       Grayhawk          Siena            21055 N. 73rd Place, Scottsdale       07/01/98         12 Months

3.       Palos Verdes      Valencia         5122 E. Wallace Avenue, Scottsdale    07/01/97         6 Months

4.       Palos Verdes      Montecito        5114 E. Wallace Avenue, Scottsdale    07/01/97         6 Months

5.       Sunridge Cyn      Veracruz         13637 N. Mesquite Lane, Fountain Hls  07/01/98         12 Months

6.       The Estates       Ventana          2650 N. Castle Rock Drive, Tucson     07/01/98         12 Months

7.       The Estates       Taos             2670 N. Castle Rock Drive, Tucson     07/01/98         12 Months

8.       The Retreat       Palazzo          2273 N. Split Rock Place, Tucson      07/01/98         12 Months

9.       The Retreat       Valencia         2257 N. Split Rock Place, Tucson      07/01/98         12 Months

10.      The Retreat       Flores           2241 N. Split Rock Place, Tucson      07/01/98         12 Months

11.      The Retreat       Montecito        2225 N. Split Rock Place, Tucson      07/01/98         12 Months

12.      The Park          Babados          2241 N. Catalina Vista Loop, Tucson   01/01/98         1 Year

13.      The Park          Veracruz         2229 N. Catalina Vista Loop, Tucson   01/01/98         1 Year

14.      The Park          Cancun           2217 N. Catalina Vista Loop, Tucson   01/01/98         1 Year

*  The lease may be terminated at Builder's option, subject to Section 5.2.  Maximum lease term is three (3)
years.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                   Exhibit "H"


         "Hazardous  Materials  Laws"  shall mean all  federal,  state and local
laws,  ordinances,  rules and regulations now and hereafter in force, as amended
from time to time, in any way relating to or regulating  human health or safety,
or  industrial  hygiene  or  environmental  conditions,  or  protection  of  the
environment,  or pollution or contamination  of the air, soil,  surface water or
groundwater, and includes the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and  Liability  act  of  1980,  42  U.S.C.  ss.  9601,  et  seq.,  the  Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 6901, et seq., the Clean Water Act,
33 U.S.C. ss. 1251, et seq.

         "Hazardous  Materials"  shall mean any  substance  or material  that is
described as a toxic or hazardous substance, waste or material or a pollutant or
contaminant,  or words of similar import, in any of the Environmental  Laws, and
includes  asbestos,  petroleum  (including  crude oil or any  fraction  thereof,
natural gas,  natural gas  liquids,  liquefied  natural  gas, or  synthetic  gas
useable for fuel, or any mixture thereof),  petroleum products,  polychlorinated
biphenyls, urea formaldehyde,  radon gas, radioactive matter, medical waste, and
chemicals which may cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

                                 MONTEREY HOMES
                                STOCK OPTION PLAN


      1.  ESTABLISHMENT, PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS.
          ---------------------------------------

 a)  The  Stock  Option  Plan  (the  "Option   Plan")  of  Monterey  Homes  (the
     "Company"),  is hereby  adopted.  The  Option  Plan shall  provide  for the
     issuance of incentive stock options ("ISOs") and nonqualified stock options
     ("NSOs").

 b)  The purpose of this Option Plan is to promote the long-term  success of the
     Company by attracting, motivating and retaining key executives, consultants
     and directors (the "Participants") through the use of competitive long-term
     incentives which are tied to stockholder  interests by providing incentives
     to the  Participants  in the form of stock  options which offer rewards for
     achieving the long-term strategic and financial objectives of the Company.

 c)  The Option Plan is intended to provide a means whereby  Participants may be
     given an opportunity to purchase shares of Stock of the Company pursuant to
     (i)  options  which may qualify as ISOs under  Section 422 of the  Internal
     Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the  "Internal  Revenue  Code"),  or (ii)
     NSOs which may not so qualify.

 d)  The  term  "Affiliates"  as  used in  this  Option  Plan  means  parent  or
     subsidiary  corporations,  as defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code
     (but  substituting  "the  Company" for "employer  corporation"),  including
     parents or  subsidiaries  which  become  such after  adoption of the Option
     Plan.

      2.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
          --------------------------

 a)  The Option Plan shall be  administered by the  Compensation  Committee (the
     "Committee")  appointed  by the Board of Directors of the Company from time
     to time (the "Board").

 b)  The   Committee   shall  consist   entirely  of  directors   qualifying  as
     "non-employee  directors" as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated
     by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Committee"). Members of the
     Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.

 c)  The  Committee  may from  time to time  determine  which  employees  of the
     Company or its Affiliates or other individuals or entities (each an "option
     holder") shall be granted  options under the Option Plan, the terms thereof
     (including  without  limitation   determining  whether  the  option  is  an
     incentive  stock  option and the times at which the  options  shall  become
     exercisable),  and the  number  of  shares  of Stock for which an option or
     options may be granted.

 d)  If rights of the Company to repurchase Stock are imposed,  the Board or the
     Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate, in whole or in part, the
     time for lapsing of any rights of the Company to repurchase  shares of such
     Stock or forfeiture restrictions.

 e)  If rights of the Company to repurchase Stock are imposed,  the certificates
     evidencing such shares of Stock awarded  hereunder,  although issued in the
     name of the  option  
<PAGE>
     holder concerned,  shall be held by the Company or a third party designated
     by the  Committee in escrow  subject to delivery to the option holder or to
     the  Company at such times and in such  amounts as shall be directed by the
     Board under the terms of this Option Plan. Share certificates  representing
     Stock which is subject to repurchase  rights shall have  imprinted or typed
     thereon a legend or legends  summarizing  or  referring  to the  repurchase
     rights.

 f)  The Board or the Committee shall have the sole  authority,  in its absolute
     discretion,  to  adopt,  amend and  rescind  such  rules  and  regulations,
     consistent with the provisions of the Option Plan, as, in its opinion,  may
     be advisable  in the  administration  of the Option  Plan,  to construe and
     interpret the Option Plan, the rules and  regulations,  and the instruments
     evidencing  options  granted  under the  Option  Plan and to make all other
     determinations  deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the
     Option Plan.  All  decisions,  determinations  and  interpretations  of the
     Committee shall be binding on all option holders under the Option Plan.

      3.  STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
          -------------------------

 a)  "Stock"  shall  mean  Common  Stock of the  Company or such stock as may be
     changed as contemplated  by Section 3(c) below.  Stock shall include shares
     drawn from either the Company's  authorized  but unissued  shares of Common
     Stock  or  from  reacquired  shares  of  Common  Stock,  including  without
     limitation  shares  repurchased  by the  Company  in the open  market.  The
     maximum shares of Common Stock that can be issued under this Option Plan is
     225,000  shares,  and the maximum shares of Common Stock that can be issued
     to any one person under this Option Plan is 50,000 shares.

 b)  Options may be granted  under the Option Plan from time to time to eligible
     persons.  Stock  options  awarded  pursuant  to the  Option  Plan which are
     forfeited,  terminated,  surrendered  or canceled  for any reason  prior to
     exercise  shall again  become  available  for grants  under the Option Plan
     (including any option canceled in accordance with the cancellation  regrant
     provisions of Section 6 (f) herein).

 c)  If there  shall be any  changes in the Stock  subject  to the Option  Plan,
     including  Stock subject to any option granted  hereunder,  through merger,
     consolidation,  recapitalization,  reorganization,  reincorporation,  stock
     split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification
     of the Company's Stock or other similar events,  an appropriate  adjustment
     shall be made by the Committee in the number of shares of Stock. Consistent
     with the foregoing, in the event that the outstanding Stock is changed into
     another class or series of capital stock of the Company, outstanding option
     to purchase  Stock  granted  under the Option Plan shall become  options to
     purchase such other class or series and the provisions of this Section 3(c)
     shall apply to such new class or series.

 d)  The aggregate number of shares of Stock approved by the Option Plan may not
     be exceeded  without  amending  the Option Plan and  obtaining  stockholder
     approval within twelve months of such amendment.
                                       2
<PAGE>
      4.  ELIGIBILITY
          -----------

     Persons who shall be eligible to receive  stock  options  granted under the
Option Plan shall be those  individuals  and  entities as the  Committee  in its
discretion determines should be awarded such incentives given the best interests
of the  Company;  provided,  however,  that  (i) ISOs  may  only be  granted  to
employees of the Company and its Affiliates and (ii) any person holding  capital
stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of Stock of the Company or any  Affiliate  shall not be eligible to receive ISOs
unless the exercise price per share of Stock is at least 110% of the fair market
value of the Stock on the date the option is granted.

      5.  EXERCISE PRICE FOR OPTION GRANTED UNDER THE PLAN
          ------------------------------------------------

 a)  All ISOs and NSOs will have  option  exercise  prices per option  share not
     less  than the fair  market  value of a share of the  Stock on the date the
     option is granted,  except  that in the case of ISOs  granted to any person
     possessing  more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
     of stock of the Company or any  Affiliate  the price shall be not less than
     110% of such fair market value. The price of ISOs or NSOs granted under the
     Option  Plan shall be  subject to  adjustment  to the  extent  provided  in
     Section 3(c) above.

 b)  The fair market value on the date of grant shall be  determined  based upon
     the closing price on an exchange on that day or, if the Stock is not listed
     on an  exchange,  on the average of the closing bid and asked prices in the
     Over the Counter Market on that day.

      6.  TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS
          -------------------------------

 a)  Each option  granted  pursuant to the Option Plan shall be  evidenced  by a
     written stock option  agreement  (the "Option  Agreement")  executed by the
     Company and the person to whom such option is granted. The Option Agreement
     shall designate whether the option is an ISO or an NSO.

 b)  The term of each ISO and NSO shall be no more than 10  years,  except  that
     the term of each ISO issued to any person  possessing  more than 10% of the
     voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate  shall
     be no more than 5 years.  Subsequently  issued  options,  if Stock  becomes
     available  because  of  further  allocations  or the  lapse  of  previously
     outstanding  options,  will extend for terms determined by the Board or the
     Committee but in no event shall an ISO be exercised after the expiration of
     10 years from the date of its grant.

 c)  In the case of ISOs, the aggregate fair market value  (determined as of the
     time such option is granted) of the Stock to which ISOs are exercisable for
     the first time by such  individual  during any  calendar  year  (under this
     Option Plan and any other plans of the  Company or its  Affiliates  if any)
     shall not exceed the amount  specified  in Section  422(d) of the  Internal
     Revenue  Code,  or any  successor  provision  in  effect at the time an ISO
     becomes exercisable.
                                       3
<PAGE>
 d)  The  Option  Agreement  may  contain  such  other  terms,   provisions  and
     conditions  regarding  vesting,  repurchase  or other  provisions as may be
     determined  by the  Committee.  To the extent  such terms,  provisions  and
     conditions are inconsistent with this Option Plan, the specific  provisions
     of the Option Plan shall  prevail.  If an option,  or any part thereof,  is
     intended to qualify as an ISO, the Option  Agreement  shall  contain  those
     terms and  conditions  which the  Committee  determine  are necessary to so
     qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code.

 e)  The  Committee  shall have full power and authority to extend the period of
     time for which  any  option  granted  under  the  Option  Plan is to remain
     exercisable  following  the  option  holder's  cessation  of  service as an
     employee, director or consultant, including without limitation cessation as
     a result of death or disability;  provided, however, that in no event shall
     such  option be  exercisable  after the  specified  expiration  date of the
     option term.

 f)  As a condition to option  grants under the Option Plan,  the option  holder
     agrees to grant the  Company  the  repurchase  rights as Company may at its
     option require and as may be set forth in a separate repurchase  agreement.
     Any  option  granted  under the  Option  Plan may be  subject  to a vesting
     schedule  as provided in the Option  Agreement  and,  except as provided in
     this  Section 6 herein,  only the  vested  portion  of such  option  may be
     exercised at any time during the Option Period.  All rights to exercise any
     option shall lapse and be of no further  effect  whatsoever  immediately if
     the option  holder's  service as an employee is terminated  for "Cause" (as
     hereinafter  defined) or if the option holder  voluntarily  terminates  the
     option holder's service as an employee.  The unvested portion of the option
     will lapse and be of no further effect  immediately upon any termination of
     employment  of the option  holder for any reason.  In the  remaining  cases
     where the option  holder's  service as an  employee  is  terminated  due to
     death,  permanent  disability,  or is  terminated  by the  Company  (or its
     affiliates)  without Cause at any time,  unless  otherwise  provided by the
     Committee,  the vested  portion of the option  will  extend for a period of
     three (3) months  following the  termination  of employment and shall lapse
     and be of no further force or effect whatsoever only if it is not exercised
     before the end of such three (3) month period.  "Cause" shall be defined in
     an Employment Agreement between Company and option holder and if none there
     shall be "Cause" for termination if (i) the option holder is convicted of a
     felony, (ii) the option holder engages in any fraudulent or other dishonest
     act to the  detriment  of the  Company,  (iii) the option  holder  fails to
     report  for work on a regular  basis,  except  for  periods  of  authorized
     absence or bona fide illness, (iv) the option holder  misappropriates trade
     secrets,  customer lists or other proprietary  information belonging to the
     Company  for the  option  holder's  own  benefit  or for the  benefit  of a
     competitor,  (v)  the  option  holder  engages  in any  willful  misconduct
     designed to harm the Company or its stockholders, or (vi) the option holder
     fails to perform properly assigned duties.

 g)  No  fractional  shares of Stock  shall be issued  under  the  Option  Plan,
     whether by initial grants or any adjustments to the Option Plan.
                                       4
<PAGE>
      7.  USE OF PROCEEDS
          ---------------

     Cash  proceeds  realized from the sale of Stock under the Option Plan shall
constitute general funds of the Company.

      8.  AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF PLAN

 a)  The Board may at any time  suspend or terminate  the Option  Plan,  and may
     amend it from time to time in such respects as the Board may deem advisable
     provided that (i) such amendment,  suspension or termination  complies with
     all applicable state and federal requirements and requirements of any stock
     exchange  on which  the  Stock is then  listed,  including  any  applicable
     requirement  that the Option  Plan or an  amendment  to the Option  Plan be
     approved by the stockholders, and (ii) the Board shall not amend the Option
     Plan to  increase  the  maximum  number of shares of Stock  subject to ISOs
     under the  Option  Plan or to change  the  description  or class of persons
     eligible to receive  ISOs under the Option Plan  without the consent of the
     stockholders  of the Company  sufficient  to approve the Option Plan in the
     first instance. The Option Plan shall terminate on the earlier of (i) tenth
     anniversary of the Plan's  approval or (ii) the date on which no additional
     shares of Stock are available for issuance under the Option Plan.

 b)  No option may be granted during any suspension or after the  termination of
     the Option Plan, and no amendment,  suspension or termination of the Option
     Plan shall, without the option holder's consent, alter or impair any rights
     or obligation under any option granted under the Option Plan.

 c)  The Committee,  with the consent of affected option holders, shall have the
     authority to cancel any or all  outstanding  options  under the Option Plan
     and grant new options having an exercise price which may be higher or lower
     than the exercise price of canceled options.
 d)  Nothing  contained  herein  shall be  construed  to  permit a  termination,
     modification  or  amendment  adversely  affecting  the rights of any option
     holder under an existing option theretofore  granted without the consent of
     the option holder.

      9.  ASSIGNABILITY OF OPTIONS AND RIGHTS
          -----------------------------------

     Each ISO and NSO granted  pursuant  to this  Option Plan shall,  during the
option holder's lifetime,  be exercisable only by the option holder, and neither
the option nor any right to  purchase  Stock shall be  transferred,  assigned or
pledged by the option  holder,  by operation of law or otherwise,  other than be
will upon a beneficiary  designation executed by the option holder and delivered
to the Company or the laws of descent and distribution.

      10. PAYMENT UPON EXERCISE
          ---------------------

     Payment  of the  purchase  price  upon  exercise  of any option or right to
purchase  Stock  granted  under  this  Option  Plan  shall be made by giving the
Company written notice of such exercise, specifying the number of such shares of
Stock as to which the option is 
                                       5
<PAGE>
exercised. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the
Option  Price of such shares of Stock.  Such  payment  may be (i) cash,  (ii) by
check drawn against  sufficient  funds,  (iii) such other  consideration  as the
Committee, in its sole discretion,  determines and is consistent with the Option
Plan's purpose and applicable law, or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. Any
Stock used to exercise  options to purchase Stock (including Stock withheld upon
the exercise of an option to pay the purchase price of the shares of Stock as to
which the option is  exercised)  shall be valued in accordance  with  procedures
established  by the Committee.  If accepted by the Committee in its  discretion,
such  consideration also may be paid through a broker-dealer sale and remittance
procedure  pursuant  to which the option  holder (i) shall  provide  irrevocable
written instructions to a designated brokerage firm to effect the immediate sale
of the  purchased  Stock  and  remit to the  Company,  out of the sale  proceeds
available on the settlement date, sufficient funds to cover the aggregate option
price  payable for the  purchased  Stock plus all  applicable  Federal and State
income and employment taxes required to be withheld by the Company in connection
with such purchase and (ii) shall provide  written  directives to the Company to
deliver the certificates for the purchased Stock directly to such brokerage firm
in order to complete the sale transaction.

      11. WITHHOLDING TAXES
          -----------------

 a)  Shares of Stock issued  hereunder  shall be  delivered to an option  holder
     only upon  payment  by such  person  to the  Company  of the  amount of any
     withholding  tax required by applicable  federal,  state,  local or foreign
     law.  The  Company  shall not be  required  to issue any Stock to an option
     holder until such obligations are satisfied.

 b)  The Committee may, under such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate,
     authorize an option holder to satisfy  withholding  tax  obligations  under
     this Section 11 by surrendering a portion of any Stock previously issued to
     the option  holder or by electing to have the  Company  withhold  shares of
     Stock from the Stock to be issued to the option holder, in each case having
     a fair market value equal to the amount of the  withholding tax required to
     be withheld.

      12. RATIFICATION
          ------------

     This  Option Plan and all  options  issued  under this Option Plan shall be
void unless  this  Option Plan is or was  approved or ratified by (i) the Board;
and (ii) a majority of the votes cast at a stockholder meeting at which a quorum
representing at least a majority of the  outstanding  shares of Stock is (either
in person or by proxy)  present  and voting on the  Option  Plan  within  twelve
months of the date this  Option  Plan is adopted by the Board.  No ISOs shall be
exercisable prior to the date such stockholder approval is obtained.

      13. CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS
          ----------------------

 a)  For the purpose of this Section 13, a "Corporate Transaction" shall include
     any of the following stockholder-approved transactions to which the Company
     is a party:

         (i)  a  merger  or  consolidation  in  which  the  Company  is not  the
              surviving entity,
                                       6

<PAGE>
              except for a transaction the  principal  purpose  of  which  is to
              change the State of the Company's incorporation;
     
         (ii) the sale,  transfer or other  disposition of all or  substantially
              all of the assets of the Company in  liquidation or dissolution of
              the Company; or


         (iii)any reverse  merger in which the Company is the  surviving  entity
              but in which  beneficial  ownership of securities  possessing more
              than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the
              Company's  outstanding   securities  are  transferred  to  holders
              different from those who held such securities immediately prior to
              such merger.

 b)  Upon  the  occurrence  of  a  Corporate   Transaction,   if  the  surviving
     corporation  or the  purchaser,  as the case may be,  does not  assume  the
     obligations of the Company under the Option Plan, then  irrespective of the
     vesting  provisions   contained  in  individual  option   agreements,   all
     outstanding  options shall become immediately  exercisable in full and each
     option  holder will be afforded an  opportunity  to exercise  their options
     prior to the  consummation  of the merger or sale  transaction so that they
     can  participate  on a pro rata  basis in the  transaction  based  upon the
     number of shares of Stock  purchased by them on exercise of options if they
     so desire.  To the extent that the Option Plan is unaffected and assumed by
     the successor  corporation  or its parent  company a Corporate  Transaction
     will have no effect on  outstanding  options and the options shall continue
     in effect according to their terms.

 c)  Each  outstanding  option  under  this  Option  Plan  which is  assumed  in
     connection  with the Corporate  Transaction  or is otherwise to continue in
     effect shall be appropriately  adjusted,  immediately  after such Corporate
     Transaction,  to apply and  pertain to the  number and class of  securities
     which would have been issued to the option  holder in  connection  with the
     consummation of such Corporate  Transaction  had such person  exercised the
     option  immediately  prior  to  such  Corporate  Transaction.   Appropriate
     adjustments  shall  also be made to the  option  price  payable  per share,
     provided the  aggregate  option  price  payable for such  securities  shall
     remain the same. In addition,  the class and number of securities available
     for  issuance  under this Option Plan  following  the  consummation  of the
     Corporate Transaction shall be appropriately adjusted.

 d)  The grant of  options  under  this  Option  Plan shall in no way affect the
     right of the Company to adjust, reclassify,  reorganize or otherwise change
     its  capital or  business  structure  or to merge,  consolidate,  dissolve,
     liquidate or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

 14.  REGULATORY APPROVALS
      --------------------

     The  obligation  of the Company with respect to Stock issued under the Plan
shall  be  subject  to all  applicable  laws,  rules  and  regulations  and such
approvals by any  governmental  agencies or stock  exchanges as may be required.
The Company reserves the right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of
Stock under the Plan until such time as any legal  requirements  or  regulations
have been met  relating  to the  issuance  of Stock,  to their  registration  or
qualification under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, if applicable,  
                                       7
<PAGE>
or any  applicable  state  securities  laws,  or to their  listing  on any stock
exchange at which time such listing may be applicable.

 15.  NO EMPLOYMENT/SERVICE RIGHTS
      ----------------------------

     Neither the action of the Company in establishing this Option Plan, nor any
action taken by the Board or the Committee hereunder,  nor any provision of this
Option Plan shall be construed so as to grant any individual the right to remain
in the employ or service of the Company (or any parent, subsidiary or affiliated
corporation)  for any  period of  specific  duration,  and the  Company  (or any
parent,  subsidiary  or  affiliated  corporation  retaining the services of such
individual) may terminate or change the terms of such individual's employment or
service at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.

 16.  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
      ------------------------

 a)  The  provisions  of this  Option  Plan shall be governed by the laws of the
     State of Arizona,  as such laws are applied to  contracts  entered into and
     performed in such State,  without regard to its rules concerning  conflicts
     of law.

 b)  The  provisions  of this Option Plan shall insure to the benefit of, and be
     binding  upon,  the  Company  and its  successors  or  assigns,  whether by
     Corporate  Transaction  or  otherwise,  and the option  holders,  the legal
     representatives  of their  respective  estates,  their  respective heirs or
     legatees and their permitted assignees.

 c)  The option holders shall have no divided rights, voting rights or any other
     rights as a  stockholder  with respect to any options under the Option Plan
     prior to the issuance of a stock certificate for such Stock.

 d)  If there is a  conflict  between  the  terms  of any  employment  agreement
     pursuant  to  which  options  under  this  Plan are to be  granted  and the
     provisions  of this  Plan,  the  terms of the  employment  agreement  shall
     prevail
                                       8

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is dated as of December 31,
1996 by and  between  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments  Corporation,  a  Maryland
corporation (the "Company"), and William W. Cleverly ("Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the Company  desires to obtain the services of Employee,  and
Employee  desires to provide  services to the Company,  in  accordance  with the
terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Employee agree as follows:

         1.  Employment.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Employee as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
of the Company,  and Employee agrees to perform the duties  associated with such
positions  diligently and to the reasonable  satisfaction of the Company's Board
of  Directors.  Employee  will devote  substantially  all of his business  time,
attention  and  energies to the business of the Company and will comply with the
policies and guidelines established by the Company from time to time.

         2. Term.  Employee  will be employed  under this  Agreement  for a term
beginning on December 31, 1996 (the "Effective Date") and ending on December_31,
2001, unless Employee's employment is terminated earlier pursuant to Section 8.

         3. Base  Salary.  The  Company  will pay  Employee  the Base Salary (as
defined  below).  For purposes of this  Agreement,  the term "Base Salary" shall
mean until December_31, 1997 an
                                       1
<PAGE>
amount  equal to $200,000  per year.  For each year  thereafter  during the term
hereof,  the Base Salary  shall be equal to 105% of the  previous  Base  Salary.
Salary will be payable biweekly in accordance with the payroll  practices of the
Company in effect from time to time. All of Employee's  compensation  under this
Agreement will be subject to deduction and withholding authorized or required by
applicable law.

         4. Initial Stock Options. On the Effective Date, the Company will grant
Employee  options to purchase  500,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the
"Common  Stock"). The  terms of such  options  are set  forth in a Stock  Option
Agreement,  dated as of the  Effective  Date,  between the Company and Employee,
which is attached hereto as Exhibit_A.

         5.  Incentive  Compensation.  Employee  will be entitled  to  incentive
compensation  based on the achievement of certain  budgeted  income  projections
specified in Exhibit_B hereto.

         6. Employee  Benefits.  During the term of this Agreement,  the Company
will provide to Employee such fringe  benefits and other employee  benefit plans
as are  regularly  maintained  by the  Company  for its  senior  executives,  in
accordance with the policies of the Company in effect from time to time.

         7.  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company will reimburse Employee for
reasonable  out-of-pocket  business,  entertainment and travel expenses incurred
and  documented  in  accordance  with the policies of the Company in effect from
time to time.

         8. Termination.

                  (a) If Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the
Company or if 
                                       2
<PAGE>
the Company discharges Employee for Cause (as defined below), then the Company's
obligations  to pay the  Base  Salary  and  incentive  compensation  under  this
Agreement will terminate immediately,  except for the payment of the Base Salary
through  the Date of Termination.  For  purposes of this  Agreement,  "Cause" is
defined to mean only an act or acts of  dishonesty  by Employee  constituting  a
felony and resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in substantial
personal gain or enrichment at the expense of the Company.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing, Employee shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless
and until there  shall have been  delivered  to Employee a copy of a  resolution
duly  adopted by the  affirmative  vote of not less than  three-quarters  of the
entire membership of the Company's Board of Directors  (excluding Employee if he
is then a  director)  at a meeting of the Board  called and held for the purpose
(after reasonable  notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee,  together
with his counsel, to be heard before the Board),  finding that in the good faith
opinion of the Board  Employee  was guilty of conduct  meeting the  criteria set
forth above and specifying the particulars thereof.

                  (b) If Employee's employment with the Company is terminated by
the  Company  without  Cause or as a result  of  Employee's  death or  Permanent
Disability  (as defined  below),  then (i) the Company  will be obligated to pay
Employee's then current Base Salary pursuant to Section 3 (A) through the end of
the stated  term of  employment  hereunder  in the event of  termination  by the
Company without Cause or (B) for six months after the Date of Termination in the
event of death or Permanent Disability and (ii) within 90 days after the Date of
Termination,  the Company  will pay Employee  pro rated  incentive  compensation
pursuant  to Section 5 through the date of  termination.  
                                       3
<PAGE>
For purposes hereof,  "Permanent Disability" means a disability that results or,
in the judgment of a physician  mutually  agreeable to the Company and Employee,
is likely to result in Employee  being  unable to fulfill his duties  under this
Agreement for 180 consecutive days.

                  (c) Any  termination  by the  Company  for Cause or  Permanent
Disability pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b), respectively, shall be communicated
by written Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this Agreement,  a "Notice of
Termination" shall mean a notice which shall  indicate the specific  termination
provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail
the facts and  circumstances  claimed  to  provide  a basis for  termination  of
Employee's  employment  under the provision so  indicated.  For purposes of this
Agreement,  no such purported termination shall be effective without such Notice
of Termination.

                  (d) For  purposes  of this  Agreement,  "Date of  Termination"
shall mean (i) if the Agreement is  terminated as a result of Employee's  death,
the date of Employee's  death,  (ii) if the Agreement is terminated by Employee,
the date on which he delivers a Notice of Termination  to the Company,  (iii) if
this  Agreement is terminated by the Company for Permanent  Disability,  30 days
after a Notice of  Termination  is given  (provided that Employee shall not have
returned to the  performance  of Employee's  duties on a full-time  basis during
such 30-day  period),  or (iv) if  Employee's  employment  is  terminated by the
Company for any other reason, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given
; provided  that if within 30 days after any Notice of  Termination  is given by
the Company,  Employee notifies the Company that a dispute exists concerning the
termination,  the  Date  of  Termination  shall  be the  earlier  of  the  fifth
anniversary date of this
                                       4
<PAGE>
Agreement  or the date on which the  dispute  is finally  determined,  either by
mutual written agreement of the parties, or by a final judgment, order or decree
of a court of  competent  jurisdiction  (the time for  appeal  therefrom  having
expired and no appeal having been perfected).

                  (e)  Employee  shall have no duty to  mitigate  the  Company's
obligations  with respect to the payments set forth in this Section 8 by seeking
other  employment  following  his  termination  of  employment,  nor shall  such
obligations  be subject  to offset or  reduction  by reason of any  compensation
received by Employee from such other employment.

         9. Restrictive Covenant. In consideration of the Company's agreement to
employ Employee,  until December_31,  2001, Employee hereby agrees that Employee
will not,  except in connection  with the  performance of his duties  hereunder,
directly or indirectly, either as an employee, partner, owner, director, adviser
or consultant or in any other capacity:

                  (a)  engage  in  the   homebuilding   business  (a  "Competing
Business");

                  (b) recruit,  hire or discuss  employment  with any person who
is, or within the six month period  preceding  the date of such activity was, an
employee of the Company  (other than as a result of a general  solicitation  for
employment);

                  (c) subject to the  proviso  below,  solicit  any  customer or
supplier of the Company for a Competing  Business or otherwise attempt to induce
any such customer or supplier to discontinue its relationship  with the Company;
or

                  (d)  except  solely  as a  limited  partner  or other  form of
passive investment with no 
                                       5
<PAGE>
management  or  operating  responsibilities,  engage in the land  banking or lot
development business;  provided,  however, that the foregoing shall not restrict
(i) the ownership of less than 5% of a  publicly-traded  company or, (ii) in the
event  Employee's  employment  is terminated  hereunder,  engaging in the custom
homebuilding   business,   including  soliciting  customers  through  a  general
solicitation and soliciting  suppliers who serve the Company,  but not to induce
them to  discontinue  their  relationship  with the Company,  or engaging in the
production homebuilding business outside a 100 mile radius of any project of the
Company  or  outside  Northern  California  (which  shall be  deemed to mean the
metropolitan  area of San Jose and all of the State of California  north of such
area) or engaging in the land banking or lot development business.

         Employee  represents  to the  Company  that he is  willing  and able to
engage  in  businesses  that are not  Competing  Businesses  hereunder  and that
enforcement of the  restrictions set forth in this Section 9 would not be unduly
burdensome to Employee.  The Company and Employee acknowledge and agree that the
restrictions  set forth in this Section 9 are  reasonable  as to time,  area and
scope of activity  and do not impose a greater  restraint  than is  necessary to
protect the goodwill and other business  interests of the Company,  and Employee
agrees  that the  Company  is  justified  in  believing  the  foregoing.  If the
provisions of this Section 9 are found by a court of competent  jurisdiction  to
contain  limitations  as to  time,  area  or  scope  of  activity  that  are not
reasonable or not necessary to protect the goodwill or other business  interests
of the Company,  then such court is hereby directed to reform such provisions to
the minimum extent  necessary to cause the  limitations  contained  herein as to
time, area and scope of activity to be reasonable and to impose a restraint that
                                       6
<PAGE>
is not  greater  than  necessary  to protect  the  goodwill  and other  business
interests  of the  Company.  The  provisions  of this Section 9 will survive any
termination  of this  Agreement,  except  that  this  Section  9 will not  apply
following termination of Employee by the Company without Cause.

         10. Confidential Information.  During the term of Employee's employment
and for one year  thereafter,  without  the  Company's  prior  written  consent,
Employee will not use  competitively  or disclose to any third party (other than
in accordance with the proper  performance of his duties  hereunder or as may be
required by statute or court order) the proprietary information,  trade secrets,
business, marketing, advertising, strategic or business information, customer or
prospect lists, work product,  know-how or other confidential information of the
Company  ("Confidential Information"), all of  which Employee  acknowledges  and
agrees is the sole and exclusive  property of the Company.  Upon  termination of
his employment for any reason,  Employee will immediately  return to the Company
all copies, in whatever form, of any Confidential Information that may be in his
possession or control.

         11.  Severability.  If any  provision  of this  Agreement is held to be
illegal,  invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law, then such provision
will be deemed to be  modified  to the  minimum  extent  necessary  to render it
legal, valid and enforceable,  and if no such modification will render it legal,
valid  and  enforceable,  then  this  Agreement  will  be  construed  as if  not
containing the provision held to be invalid,  and the rights and  obligations of
the parties will be construed and enforced accordingly.
                                       7
<PAGE>
         12.  Injunctive  Relief.  Employee  acknowledges  and  agrees  that the
Company would be irreparably  harmed by any violation of Employee's  obligations
under  Sections 9 and 10 hereof and that,  in  addition  to all other  rights or
remedies  available  at law or in  equity,  the  Company  will  be  entitled  to
injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or enjoin any such violation.

         13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement of
the parties  hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any
prior written,  or prior or contemporaneous  oral,  understandings or agreements
between  the  parties  that may have  related in any way to the  subject  matter
hereof.  This  Agreement may be amended only in writing  executed by the Company
and Employee.

         14.  Governing  Law. This  Agreement and all questions  relating to its
validity, interpretation,  performance and enforcement, shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws, and not the law of conflicts, of
the State of Arizona.

         15. Notice.  Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or
by  overnight  courier  service or three days after being sent by mail,  postage
prepaid,  at the  address  indicated  below or to such  changed  address as such
person may subsequently give such notice of:

          if to the Company:        Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation
                                    5333 North Seventh Street,
                                    Suite 219
                                    Phoenix, Arizona 85014
                                    Attention:  Corporate Secretary

          if to Employee:           William W. Cleverly
                                    5627 N. Casa Blanca Road
                                    Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253


                                       9
<PAGE>
         16. Arbitration.  All disputes, claims and other matters in controversy
arising  directly  or  indirectly  out of or related to this  Agreement,  or the
breach thereof,  whether contractual or non-contractual,  shall be determined by
arbitration  and shall be  settled  by three  arbitrators,  one of whom shall be
appointed  by the  Company,  one by the  Employee and the third of whom shall be
appointed  by the first two  arbitrators.  Persons  eligible  to be  selected as
arbitrators  shall be limited to attorneys who have been in practice at least 15
years  specializing in employment law matters and who have had both training and
experience as  arbitrators  ("Experienced  Arbitrators").  If either such person
fails to appoint an  arbitrator  within ten (10) days of a request in writing by
the other such person to do so or if the first two  arbitrators  cannot agree on
the appointment of a third  arbitrator  within thirty days, then such arbitrator
shall be appointed by the American  Arbitration  Association  (which appointment
shall  not be  limited  to  Experienced  Arbitrators  if  not  made  within  the
applicable time period).  Except as to the selection of arbitrators  which shall
be as  set  forth  above,  the  arbitration  shall  be  conducted  promptly  and
expeditiously  at such place in Phoenix,  Arizona  agreed to between the Company
and the Employee in accordance  with the Commercial  Rules of Arbitration of the
American Arbitration  Association then in effect so as to enable the arbitrators
to  resolve  the  disputes,  claims  and other  matters  in  controversy  within
forty-five (45) days of the  commencement of the  arbitration  proceedings.  The
arbitrators shall base their award on applicable law and judicial 
                                       9
<PAGE>
precedent and, unless both parties agree otherwise,  shall include in such award
the  findings of fact and  conclusions  of law upon which the award is based and
may award  temporary  or  permanent  equitable  relief.  Judgement  on the award
rendered  by the  arbitrators  may be entered in any court  having  jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitrators' resolution of the dispute shall be final,
                                       10
<PAGE>
binding and  non-appealable.  The nonprevailing party shall bear the expenses of
the arbitrators and the arbitration,  including  reasonable  attorneys' fees and
costs.
         IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Company  and  Employee  have  executed  and
delivered this Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                    HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
                                    CORPORATION


                                    By: /s/  Jay R. Hoffman
                                      .........................................
                                    Name:      Jay R. Hoffman
                                    Title:     President



                                    EMPLOYEE

                                     /s/ William W. Cleverly
                                    ............................................
                                    William W. Cleverly


                                       11

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is dated as of December 31,
1996 by and  between  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments  Corporation,  a  Maryland
corporation (the "Company"), and Steven J. Hilton ("Employee").

         WHEREAS,  the Company  desires to obtain the services of Employee,  and
Employee  desires to provide  services to the Company,  in  accordance  with the
terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Employee agree as follows:

         1.  Employment.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the  Company  agrees to employ  Employee as  President  and  Co-Chief  Executive
Officer of the  Company,  and Employee  agrees to perform the duties  associated
with  such  positions  diligently  and to  the  reasonable  satisfaction  of the
Company's  Board of  Directors.  Employee will devote  substantially  all of his
business  time,  attention  and energies to the business of the Company and will
comply with the policies and guidelines  established by the Company from time to
time.

         2. Term.  Employee  will be employed  under this  Agreement  for a term
beginning on December 31, 1996 (the "Effective Date") and ending on December_31,
2001, unless Employee's employment is terminated earlier pursuant to Section 8.

         3. Base  Salary.  The  Company  will pay  Employee  the Base Salary (as
defined  below).  For purposes of this  Agreement,  the term "Base Salary" shall
mean until December_31, 1997 an amount equal to $200,000 per year. For each year
thereafter during the term hereof, the Base Salary
                                       1
<PAGE>
shall be equal to 105% of the  previous  Base  Salary.  Salary  will be  payable
biweekly in accordance with the payroll  practices of the Company in effect from
time to time.  All of  Employee's  compensation  under  this  Agreement  will be
subject to deduction and withholding authorized or required by applicable law.

         4. Initial Stock Options. On the Effective Date, the Company will grant
Employee  options to purchase  500,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the
"Common  Stock"). The  terms of such  options  are set  forth in a Stock  Option
Agreement,  dated as of the  Effective  Date,  between the Company and Employee,
which is attached hereto as Exhibit_A.

         5.  Incentive  Compensation.  Employee  will be entitled  to  incentive
compensation  based on the achievement of certain  budgeted  income  projections
specified in Exhibit_B hereto.

         6. Employee  Benefits.  During the term of this Agreement,  the Company
will provide to Employee such fringe  benefits and other employee  benefit plans
as are  regularly  maintained  by the  Company  for its  senior  executives,  in
accordance with the policies of the Company in effect from time to time.

         7.  Reimbursement of Expenses.  The Company will reimburse Employee for
reasonable  out-of-pocket  business,  entertainment and travel expenses incurred
and  documented  in  accordance  with the policies of the Company in effect from
time to time.

         8.       Termination.

                  (a) If Employee voluntarily terminates his employment with the
Company or if the Company discharges Employee for Cause (as defined below), then
the  Company's  obligations  
                                       2
<PAGE>
to pay the Base Salary and  incentive  compensation  under this  Agreement  will
terminate  immediately,  except for the payment of the Base  Salary  through the
Date of Termination.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" is defined to mean
only an act or  acts  of  dishonesty  by  Employee  constituting  a  felony  and
resulting or intended to result  directly or indirectly in substantial  personal
gain or enrichment at the expense of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Employee shall not be deemed to have been  terminated for Cause unless and until
there shall have been delivered to Employee a copy of a resolution  duly adopted
by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership
of  the  Company's  Board  of  Directors  (excluding  Employee  if he is  then a
director)  at a meeting  of the Board  called  and held for the  purpose  (after
reasonable notice to Employee and an opportunity for Employee, together with his
counsel,  to be heard before the Board),  finding that in the good faith opinion
of the Board Employee was guilty of conduct meeting the criteria set forth above
and specifying the particulars thereof.

                  (b) If Employee's employment with the Company is terminated by
the  Company  without  Cause or as a result  of  Employee's  death or  Permanent
Disability  (as defined  below),  then (i) the Company  will be obligated to pay
Employee's then current Base Salary pursuant to Section 3 (A) through the end of
the stated  term of  employment  hereunder  in the event of  termination  by the
Company without Cause or (B) for six months after the Date of Termination in the
event of death or Permanent Disability and (ii) within 90 days after the Date of
Termination,  the Company  will pay Employee  pro rated  incentive  compensation
pursuant  to Section 5 through the date of  termination.  For  purposes  hereof,
"Permanent  Disability" means a disability that results or, in the judgment of a
physician mutually agreeable to the Company and Employee, is likely to result in
Employee  being  
                                       3
<PAGE>
unable to fulfill his duties under this Agreement for 180 consecutive days.

                  (c) Any  termination  by the  Company  for Cause or  Permanent
Disability pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b), respectively, shall be communicated
by written Notice of Termination.  For purposes of this Agreement,  a "Notice of
Termination" shall mean a notice which shall  indicate the specific  termination
provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail
the facts and  circumstances  claimed  to  provide  a basis for  termination  of
Employee's  employment  under the provision so  indicated.  For purposes of this
Agreement,  no such purported termination shall be effective without such Notice
of Termination.

                  (d) For  purposes  of this  Agreement,  "Date of  Termination"
shall mean (i) if the Agreement is  terminated as a result of Employee's  death,
the date of Employee's  death,  (ii) if the Agreement is terminated by Employee,
the date on which he delivers a Notice of Termination  to the Company,  (iii) if
this  Agreement is terminated by the Company for Permanent  Disability,  30 days
after a Notice of  Termination  is given  (provided that Employee shall not have
returned to the  performance  of Employee's  duties on a full-time  basis during
such 30-day  period),  or (iv) if  Employee's  employment  is  terminated by the
Company for any other reason, the date on which a Notice of Termination is given
; provided  that if within 30 days after any Notice of  Termination  is given by
the Company,  Employee notifies the Company that a dispute exists concerning the
termination,  the  Date  of  Termination  shall  be the  earlier  of  the  fifth
anniversary  date of this  Agreement or the date on which the dispute is finally
determined,  either by mutual  written  agreement of the parties,  or by a final
judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction (the time
                                       4
<PAGE>
for appeal therefrom having expired and no appeal having been perfected).

                  (e)  Employee  shall have no duty to  mitigate  the  Company's
obligations  with respect to the payments set forth in this Section 8 by seeking
other  employment  following  his  termination  of  employment,  nor shall  such
obligations  be subject  to offset or  reduction  by reason of any  compensation
received by Employee from such other employment.

         9. Restrictive Covenant. In consideration of the Company's agreement to
employ Employee,  until December_31,  2001, Employee hereby agrees that Employee
will not,  except in connection  with the  performance of his duties  hereunder,
directly or indirectly, either as an employee, partner, owner, director, adviser
or consultant or in any other capacity:

                  (a)  engage  in  the   homebuilding   business  (a  "Competing
Business");

                  (b) recruit,  hire or discuss  employment  with any person who
is, or within the six month period  preceding  the date of such activity was, an
employee of the Company  (other than as a result of a general  solicitation  for
employment);

                  (c) subject to the  proviso  below,  solicit  any  customer or
supplier of the Company for a Competing  Business or otherwise attempt to induce
any such customer or supplier to discontinue its relationship  with the Company;
or

                  (d)  except  solely  as a  limited  partner  or other  form of
passive investment with no management or operating  responsibilities,  engage in
the land  banking  or lot  development  business;  provided,  however,  that the
foregoing   shall  not  restrict  (i)  the  ownership  of  less  than  5%  of  a
publicly-traded   company  or,  (ii)  in  the  event  Employee's  employment  is
terminated hereunder,  
                                       5
<PAGE>
engaging in the custom homebuilding  business,  including  soliciting  customers
through a general  solicitation and soliciting  suppliers who serve the Company,
but not to induce them to discontinue their  relationship  with the Company,  or
engaging in the production  homebuilding  business  outside a 100 mile radius of
any project of the Company or outside Northern California (which shall be deemed
to mean the  metropolitan  area of San Jose and all of the  State of  California
north of such area) or engaging in the land banking or lot development business.

         Employee  represents  to the  Company  that he is  willing  and able to
engage  in  businesses  that are not  Competing  Businesses  hereunder  and that
enforcement of the  restrictions set forth in this Section 9 would not be unduly
burdensome to Employee.  The Company and Employee acknowledge and agree that the
restrictions  set forth in this Section 9 are  reasonable  as to time,  area and
scope of activity  and do not impose a greater  restraint  than is  necessary to
protect the goodwill and other business  interests of the Company,  and Employee
agrees  that the  Company  is  justified  in  believing  the  foregoing.  If the
provisions of this Section 9 are found by a court of competent  jurisdiction  to
contain  limitations  as to  time,  area  or  scope  of  activity  that  are not
reasonable or not necessary to protect the goodwill or other business  interests
of the Company,  then such court is hereby directed to reform such provisions to
the minimum extent  necessary to cause the  limitations  contained  herein as to
time, area and scope of activity to be reasonable and to impose a restraint that
is not  greater  than  necessary  to protect  the  goodwill  and other  business
interests  of the  Company.  The  provisions  of this Section 9 will survive any
termination  of this  Agreement,  except  that  this  Section  9 will not  apply
following termination of Employee by the Company without Cause.

         10. Confidential Information.  During the term of Employee's employment
and for one 
                                       6
<PAGE>
year thereafter,  without the Company's prior written consent, Employee will not
use  competitively or disclose to any third party (other than in accordance with
the proper  performance of his duties hereunder or as may be required by statute
or court order) the proprietary information, trade secrets, business, marketing,
advertising, strategic or business information, customer or prospect lists, work
product,   know-how   or  other   confidential   information   of  the   Company
("Confidential  Information"), all of which Employee  acknowledges and agrees is
the  sole  and  exclusive  property  of the  Company.  Upon  termination  of his
employment for any reason,  Employee will immediately  return to the Company all
copies,  in whatever form, of any  Confidential  Information  that may be in his
possession or control.

         11.  Severability.  If any  provision  of this  Agreement is held to be
illegal,  invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law, then such provision
will be deemed to be  modified  to the  minimum  extent  necessary  to render it
legal, valid and enforceable,  and if no such modification will render it legal,
valid  and  enforceable,  then  this  Agreement  will  be  construed  as if  not
containing the provision held to be invalid,  and the rights and  obligations of
the parties will be construed and enforced accordingly.

         12.  Injunctive  Relief.  Employee  acknowledges  and  agrees  that the
Company would be irreparably  harmed by any violation of Employee's  obligations
under  Sections 9 and 10 hereof and that,  in  addition  to all other  rights or
remedies  available  at law or in  equity,  the  Company  will  be  entitled  to
injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or enjoin any such violation.

         13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the complete agreement of
the parties  
                                       7
<PAGE>
hereto  with  respect to the  subject  matter  hereof and  supersedes  any prior
written, or prior or contemporaneous oral,  understandings or agreements between
the parties that may have related in any way to the subject matter hereof.  This
Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by the Company and Employee.

         14.  Governing  Law. This  Agreement and all questions  relating to its
validity, interpretation,  performance and enforcement, shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws, and not the law of conflicts, of
the State of Arizona.

         15. Notice.  Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or
by  overnight  courier  service or three days after being sent by mail,  postage
prepaid,  at the  address  indicated  below or to such  changed  address as such
person may subsequently give such notice of:

          if to the Company:        Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation
                                    5333 North Seventh Street,
                                    Suite 219
                                    Phoenix, Arizona 85014
                                    Attention:  Corporate Secretary

          if to Employee:           Steven J. Hilton
                                    5265 N. Wilkinson
                                    Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253

         16. Arbitration.  All disputes, claims and other matters in controversy
arising  directly  or  indirectly  out of or related to this  Agreement,  or the
breach thereof,  whether contractual or non-contractual,  shall be determined by
arbitration  and shall be  settled  by three  arbitrators,  one of 
                                       8
<PAGE>
whom shall be  appointed  by the  Company,  one by the Employee and the third of
whom shall be appointed  by the first two  arbitrators.  Persons  eligible to be
selected as arbitrators  shall be limited to attorneys who have been in practice
at least 15 years  specializing  in employment law matters and who have had both
training and  experience as arbitrators  ("Experienced  Arbitrators"). If either
such person fails to appoint an arbitrator  within ten (10) days of a request in
writing by the other such person to do so or if the first two arbitrators cannot
agree on the  appointment of a third  arbitrator  within thirty days,  then such
arbitrator  shall be appointed by the American  Arbitration  Association  (which
appointment  shall not be limited to Experienced  Arbitrators if not made within
the applicable  time period).  Except as to the selection of  arbitrators  which
shall be as set forth above,  the  arbitration  shall be conducted  promptly and
expeditiously  at such place in Phoenix,  Arizona  agreed to between the Company
and the Employee in accordance  with the Commercial  Rules of Arbitration of the
American Arbitration  Association then in effect so as to enable the arbitrators
to  resolve  the  disputes,  claims  and other  matters  in  controversy  within
forty-five (45) days of the  commencement of the  arbitration  proceedings.  The
arbitrators shall base their award on applicable law and judicial precedent and,
unless both parties agree otherwise, shall include in such award the findings of
fact and  conclusions  of law upon  which  the  award  is  based  and may  award
temporary or permanent equitable relief.  Judgement on the award rendered by the
arbitrators  may be  entered  in any  court  having  jurisdiction  thereof.  The
arbitrators' resolution of the dispute shall be final,
                                       9
<PAGE>
binding and  non-appealable.  The nonprevailing party shall bear the expenses of
the arbitrators and the arbitration,  including  reasonable  attorneys' fees and
costs.

         IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Company  and  Employee  have  executed  and
delivered this Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                           HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
                                           CORPORATION


                                           By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                                             ..................................
                                           Name:      Jay R. Hoffman
                                           Title:     President



                                           EMPLOYEE

                                            /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                                           .....................................
                                           Steven J. Hilton

                                       10

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

              THIS  STOCK  OPTION  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement") is  dated as of
December 31, 1996 (the "Effective Date") between Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation,  a Maryland  corporation  (the  "Company"), and William W. Cleverly
("Optionee").

              WHEREAS,  the  Company  desires  to  obtain  the  services  of the
Optionee, and the Optionee has agreed to provide services to the Company;

              WHEREAS,  the Company  desires to compensate the Optionee for such
services by granting the Optionee an option (the "Option") to purchase shares of
the  Company's  common  stock,  $.01 par value per share (the  "Common  Stock"),
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

              NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

              1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Optionee,  on
the terms and subject to the conditions,  limitations and restrictions set forth
in this  Agreement,  an Option to purchase  500,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.75 per share of Common Stock.

              2.  Exercise  Period,  Vesting  and  Amount.  The Option  shall be
exercisable  ratably in equal annual  increments over three years  commencing on
the first anniversary of the Effective Date; provided,  however, that the Option
shall become exerciseable in full if 
                                       1
<PAGE>
there is a change of control of the Company  required to be reported in response
to Item 1 of Form 8-K under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 as in effect on
the date of this  Agreement (or any similar or successor  form or provisions) on
or prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Option shall expire
and become null and void after December 31, 2002.

              3.  Exercise.  In order to exercise the Option,  the Optionee must
provide  written notice (the "Exercise  Notice") to the Company at its principal
executive  office stating the number of shares in respect of which the Option is
being  exercised.  The  Exercise  Notice must be signed by the Optionee and must
include  his  complete  address  and  social  security  number.  At the  time of
exercise, the Optionee must pay to the Company the applicable exercise price per
share  times the  number of  shares as to which the  Option is being  exercised,
payable (a) by cash or cash  equivalent or (b) at the Company's  option,  by the
delivery of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (defined below) on
the date immediately preceding the exercise date equal to the aggregate exercise
price,  which  may  include  shares  subject  to the  Option.  If the  Option is
exercised in full, the Optionee will surrender this Agreement to the Company for
cancellation.  If the Option is exercised in part,  the Optionee will  surrender
this Agreement to the Company so that the Company may make appropriate  notation
hereon or cancel this Agreement and issue a new agreement  (containing  the same
terms and conditions set forth herein)  representing the unexercised  portion of
the  Option.  For these  purposes,  "Fair  Market  Value"  means (i) the average
closing price on the
                                       2
<PAGE>
New York Stock  Exchange  or any other  exchange  or market  system on which the
Common  Stock is  primarily  traded for the last five trading days ending on the
date  immediately  preceding the exercise  date; or (ii) if there is no reported
price  information for the Common Stock,  the fair market value as determined in
good faith by the Company's Board of Directors.

              4.  Tax  Withholding.  Any  provision  of  this  Agreement  to the
contrary notwithstanding,  the Company may take such steps as it deems necessary
or  desirable  for the  withholding  of any taxes that it is  required by law or
regulation of any governmental  authority,  federal, state or local, domestic or
foreign,  to  withhold  in  connection  with any of the  shares of Common  Stock
subject  hereto,  including  requiring  the  Optionee  to pay to the Company the
amount of such  withholding tax before the Company issues any shares pursuant to
the exercise of the Option.

              5. Dilution.  If the number of shares of Common Stock  outstanding
is changed  by reason of a stock  dividend,  stock  split,  reclassification  or
combination  of shares,  the number of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon
exercise of the Option and the  exercise  price per share will be  appropriately
adjusted.  In  the  event  of  any  merger,  consolidation,  reorganization,  or
recapitalization  of the Company  pursuant to which  holders of the Common Stock
receive securities,  other assets or cash (a "Reorganization Transaction"), then
upon any  subsequent  exercise of the Option,  the Optionee  will be entitled 
                                       3
<PAGE>
to receive, for each share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Option,
the number and kind of  securities,  other assets or cash received in respect of
one share of Common Stock as a result of such Reorganization Transaction.

              6. Termination.

              (a) If the  Company  discharges  Optionee  for Cause  (as  defined
         below),  then the Option will  terminate  immediately.  For purposes of
         this  Agreement,  "Cause" is  defined  to  mean  only an act or acts of
         dishonesty by Optionee  constituting a felony and resulting or intended
         to result  directly  or  indirectly  in  substantial  personal  gain or
         enrichment  at  the  expense  of  the  Company.   Notwithstanding   the
         foregoing,  Optionee  shall not be deemed to have been  terminated  for
         Cause  unless and until there shall have been  delivered  to Optionee a
         copy of a resolution duly adopted by the  affirmative  vote of not less
         than  three-quarters of the entire membership of the Company's Board of
         Directors (excluding Optionee if he is then a director) at a meeting of
         the Board called and held for the purpose (after  reasonable  notice to
         Optionee and an opportunity for Optionee, together with his counsel, to
         be heard before the Board),  finding that in the good faith  opinion of
         the Board Optionee was guilty of conduct meeting the criteria set forth
         above and specifying the particulars thereof.

                      (b) If Optionee voluntarily terminates his employment with
         the Company 
                                       4
<PAGE>
         or if Optionee's  employment with the Company is terminated as a result
         of Optionee's  death or Permanent  Disability (as defined below),  then
         the  Option  will  be  exercisable   for  six  months   following  such
         termination  in  the  event  of  voluntary  termination  and  one  year
         following   such   termination  in  the  case  of  death  or  Permanent
         Disability, but only in any such case to the extent that the Option was
         exercisable on the date of termination. For purposes hereof, "Permanent
         Disability" means a  disability  that  results or, in the judgment of a
         physician mutually agreeable to the Company and Optionee,  is likely to
         result  in  Optionee  being  unable  to  fulfill  his  duties  for  180
         consecutive days.

                      (c)  If   Optionee's   employment   with  the  Company  is
         terminated by the Company without Cause, the Option will be immediately
         exercisable  for the aggregate  number of Option Shares not  previously
         exercised  and issued  pursuant to this  Agreement  until  December 31,
         2002;

                      (d) For  purposes  of  Section  6(a) or 6(b)  hereof,  any
         termination by the Company for Cause or Permanent  Disability  shall be
         communicated  by written Notice of  Termination  complying with Section
         8(c) of Optionee's Employment Agreement with the Company dated the date
         hereof.

              7.  Transfer  of  Option.  The  Optionee  shall not,  directly  or
indirectly,  sell,  pledge or otherwise  transfer  ("Transfer") any  unexercised
portion of the Option or the rights 
                                       5
<PAGE>
and privileges  pertaining thereto,  other than pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order. Neither the Option nor the underlying shares of Common Stock is
liable for or subject to, in whole or in part, the debts, contracts, liabilities
or torts of the Optionee,  nor will they be subject to garnishment,  attachment,
execution,  levy or other legal or equitable  process,  other than pursuant to a
qualified domestic relations order.

              8.  Certain  Legal  Requirements.  The  Company  will  register or
qualify the  Optionee's  shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933
and applicable blue sky or state  securities laws, and will cause such shares to
be listed on any  exchange  or trading  system upon which the  Company's  Common
Stock is listed.

              9.  Arbitration.   All  disputes,  claims  and  other  matters  in
controversy  arising directly or indirectly out of or related to this Agreement,
or  the  breach  thereof,  whether  contractual  or  non-contractual,  shall  be
determined by arbitration and shall be settled by three arbitrators, one of whom
shall be  appointed  by the  Company,  one by the Employee and the third of whom
shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. Persons eligible to be selected
as arbitrators  shall be limited to attorneys who have been in practice at least
15 years  specializing  in employment law matters and who have had both training
and experience as arbitrators ("Experienced Arbitrators"). If either such person
fails to appoint an  arbitrator  within ten (10) days of a request in writing by
the other such person to do so or if the first two  arbitrators  cannot agree on
the appointment of a third  arbitrator  within thirty days, then such arbitrator
shall be appointed by the American  Arbitration  Association  (which 
                                       6
<PAGE>
appointment  shall not be limited to Experienced  Arbitrators if not made within
the applicable  time period).  Except as to the selection of  arbitrators  which
shall be as set forth above,  the  arbitration  shall be conducted  promptly and
expeditiously  at such place in Phoenix,  Arizona  agreed to between the Company
and the Optionee in accordance  with the Commercial  Rules of Arbitration of the
American Arbitration  Association then in effect so as to enable the arbitrators
to  resolve  the  disputes,  claims  and other  matters  in  controversy  within
forty-five (45) days of the  commencement of the  arbitration  proceedings.  The
arbitrators shall base their award on applicable law and judicial precedent and,
unless both parties agree otherwise, shall include in such award the findings of
fact and  conclusions  of law upon  which  the  award  is  based  and may  award
temporary or permanent  equitable relief.  Judgment on the award rendered by the
arbitrators  may be  entered  in any  court  having  jurisdiction  thereof.  The
arbitrators'   resolution   of  the   dispute   shall  be  final,   binding  and
non-appealable.   The  nonprevailing  party  shall  bear  the  expenses  of  the
arbitrators and the arbitration, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

              10. Miscellaneous.

                      (a) The Option is  intended  to be a  non-qualified  stock
         option under  applicable tax laws, and it is not to be characterized or
         treated as an incentive  stock option under Section 422 of the Internal
         Revenue Code of 1986.

                      (b) Neither the Optionee nor any person  claiming under or
         through the  
                                       7
<PAGE>
         Optionee will have any of the rights or privileges of a shareholder  of
         the Company in respect of any of the shares  issuable  upon exercise of
         the Option unless and until certificates  representing such shares have
         been issued and delivered,  provided that the Company shall ensure that
         certificates  representing  shares validly purchased hereunder shall be
         issued  and  delivered  promptly  to the  Optionee  or  person  validly
         claiming under or through Optionee.

                      (c) All notices and other communications hereunder must be
         in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or
         mailed in  accordance  with the  provisions of Section_14 of Optionee's
         Employment Agreement with the Company dated the date hereof.

                      (d) Subject to the  limitations  in this  Agreement on the
         transferability  by the Optionee of the Option and any shares of Common
         Stock,  this  Agreement  will be binding on and inure to the benefit of
         the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

                      (e) If any  provision  of  this  Agreement  is  held to be
         illegal,  invalid or unenforceable  under any applicable law, then such
         provision will be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary
         to render it legal, valid and enforceable,  and if no such modification
         will render it legal,  valid and enforceable,  then this Agreement will
         be construed as if not containing the provision held to be invalid, and
                                       8
<PAGE>
         the  rights  and  obligations  of the  parties  will be  construed  and
         enforced accordingly.

                      (f) The parties  acknowledge  and agree that any violation
         of the terms of this  Agreement  would  cause  irreparable  harm to the
         other  party and that,  in  addition  to all other  rights or  remedies
         available  at  law  or in  equity,  such  party  will  be  entitled  to
         injunctive  and other  equitable  relief to  prevent or enjoin any such
         violation.

                      (g) THIS  AGREEMENT  WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND  CONSTRUED IN
         ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAW, AND NOT THE LAW OF CONFLICTS,  OF THE
         STATE OF ARIZONA.

                      (h)  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any  number  of
         counterparts,  and all such  counterparts  will be deemed an  original,
         will be  construed  together  and  will  constitute  one  and the  same
         instrument.

                      (i) This  Agreement  embodies the complete  agreement  and
         understanding  among the parties  with  respect to the  subject  matter
         hereof and  supersedes  and  preempts  any prior  written,  or prior or
         contemporaneous oral, understandings,  agreements or representations by
         or among any of the parties that may have related to the subject matter
         hereof in any way.

              IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  executed  this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                   HOMEPLEX
                                   MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
                                   CORPORATION


                                   By: /s/  Jay R. Hoffman
                                       .........................................
                                   Name:    Jay R. Hoffman
                                   Title:   President

                                   OPTIONEE

                                   /s/ William W. Cleverly
                                   .............................................
                                   William W. Cleverly

                                       10

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

              THIS  STOCK  OPTION  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement") is  dated as of
December 31, 1996 (the "Effective Date") between Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation,  a  Maryland  corporation  (the  "Company"), and  Steven J.  Hilton
("Optionee").

              WHEREAS,  the  Company  desires  to  obtain  the  services  of the
Optionee, and the Optionee has agreed to provide services to the Company;

              WHEREAS,  the Company  desires to compensate the Optionee for such
services by granting the Optionee an option (the "Option") to purchase shares of
the  Company's  common  stock,  $.01 par value per share (the  "Common  Stock",
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

              NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

              1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Optionee,  on
the terms and subject to the conditions,  limitations and restrictions set forth
in this  Agreement,  an Option to purchase  500,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.75 per share of Common Stock.

              2.  Exercise  Period,  Vesting  and  Amount.  The Option  shall be
exercisable  ratably in equal annual  increments over three years  commencing on
the first anniversary of the Effective Date; provided,  however, that the Option
shall become exerciseable in full if there is a change of control of the Company
required to be  reported in response to Item 1 of Form 8-K under the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as in effect on the date of this  
                                       1
<PAGE>
Agreement (or any similar or successor  form or  provisions)  on or prior to the
third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Option shall expire and become null
and void after December 31, 2002.

              3.  Exercise.  In order to exercise the Option,  the Optionee must
provide  written notice (the  "Exercise  Notice" to the Company at its principal
executive  office stating the number of shares in respect of which the Option is
being  exercised.  The  Exercise  Notice must be signed by the Optionee and must
include  his  complete  address  and  social  security  number.  At the  time of
exercise, the Optionee must pay to the Company the applicable exercise price per
share  times the  number of  shares as to which the  Option is being  exercised,
payable (a) by cash or cash  equivalent or (b) at the Company's  option,  by the
delivery of shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (defined below) on
the date immediately preceding the exercise date equal to the aggregate exercise
price,  which  may  include  shares  subject  to the  Option.  If the  Option is
exercised in full, the Optionee will surrender this Agreement to the Company for
cancellation.  If the Option is exercised in part,  the Optionee will  surrender
this Agreement to the Company so that the Company may make appropriate  notation
hereon or cancel this Agreement and issue a new agreement  (containing  the same
terms and conditions set forth herein)  representing the unexercised  portion of
the  Option.  For these  purposes,  "Fair  Market  Value"  means (i) the average
closing  price on the New York Stock  Exchange  or any other  exchange or market
system on which the Common Stock is  primarily  traded for the last five trading
days ending on the date immediately
                                       2
<PAGE>
preceding the exercise date; or (ii) if there is no reported  price  information
for the Common  Stock,  the fair market value as determined in good faith by the
Company's Board of Directors.

              4.  Tax  Withholding.  Any  provision  of  this  Agreement  to the
contrary notwithstanding,  the Company may take such steps as it deems necessary
or  desirable  for the  withholding  of any taxes that it is  required by law or
regulation of any governmental  authority,  federal, state or local, domestic or
foreign,  to  withhold  in  connection  with any of the  shares of Common  Stock
subject  hereto,  including  requiring  the  Optionee  to pay to the Company the
amount of such  withholding tax before the Company issues any shares pursuant to
the exercise of the Option.

              5. Dilution.  If the number of shares of Common Stock  outstanding
is changed  by reason of a stock  dividend,  stock  split,  reclassification  or
combination  of shares,  the number of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon
exercise of the Option and the  exercise  price per share will be  appropriately
adjusted.  In  the  event  of  any  merger,  consolidation,  reorganization,  or
recapitalization  of the Company  pursuant to which  holders of the Common Stock
receive securities,  other assets or cash (a "Reorganization Transaction"), then
upon any  subsequent  exercise of the Option,  the Optionee  will be entitled to
receive,  for each share of Common Stock  issuable  upon exercise of the Option,
the number and kind of  securities,  other assets or cash received in respect of
one share of Common Stock as a result of such Reorganization Transaction.
                                       3
<PAGE>
              6. Termination.

              (a) If the  Company  discharges  Optionee  for Cause  (as  defined
         below),  then the Option will  terminate  immediately.  For purposes of
         this  Agreement,  "Cause" is  defined  to  mean  only an act or acts of
         dishonesty by Optionee  constituting a felony and resulting or intended
         to result  directly  or  indirectly  in  substantial  personal  gain or
         enrichment  at  the  expense  of  the  Company.   Notwithstanding   the
         foregoing,  Optionee  shall not be deemed to have been  terminated  for
         Cause  unless and until there shall have been  delivered  to Optionee a
         copy of a resolution duly adopted by the  affirmative  vote of not less
         than  three-quarters of the entire membership of the Company's Board of
         Directors (excluding Optionee if he is then a director) at a meeting of
         the Board called and held for the purpose (after  reasonable  notice to
         Optionee and an opportunity for Optionee, together with his counsel, to
         be heard before the Board),  finding that in the good faith  opinion of
         the Board Optionee was guilty of conduct meeting the criteria set forth
         above and specifying the particulars thereof.

                      (b) If Optionee voluntarily terminates his employment with
         the Company or if Optionee's  employment with the Company is terminated
         as a result of  Optionee's  death or Permanent  Disability  (as defined
         below),  then the Option will be exercisable  for six months  following
         such  termination  in the event of voluntary  termination  and one year
         following   such   termination  in  the  case  of  death  or  
                                       4
<PAGE>
         Permanent Disability,  but only in any such case to the extent that the
         Option was exercisable on the date of termination. For purposes hereof,
         "Permanent  Disability" means a  disability  that  results  or,  in the
         judgment of a physician mutually agreeable to the Company and Optionee,
         is likely to result in Optionee  being unable to fulfill his duties for
         180 consecutive days.

                      (c)  If   Optionee's   employment   with  the  Company  is
         terminated by the Company without Cause, the Option will be immediately
         exercisable  for the aggregate  number of Option Shares not  previously
         exercised  and issued  pursuant to this  Agreement  until  December 31,
         2002;

                      (d) For  purposes  of  Section  6(a) or 6(b)  hereof,  any
         termination by the Company for Cause or Permanent  Disability  shall be
         communicated  by written Notice of  Termination  complying with Section
         8(c) of Optionee's Employment Agreement with the Company dated the date
         hereof.

              7.  Transfer  of  Option.  The  Optionee  shall not,  directly  or
indirectly,  sell,  pledge or otherwise  transfer  ("Transfer") any  unexercised
portion of the Option or the rights and  privileges  pertaining  thereto,  other
than pursuant to a qualified  domestic  relations order.  Neither the Option nor
the  underlying  shares of Common Stock is liable for or subject to, in whole or
in part, the debts,  contracts,  liabilities or torts of the Optionee,  nor will
they be subject to garnishment,  attachment,  execution,  levy or other legal or
equitable process, other than pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order.
                                       5
<PAGE>
              8.  Certain  Legal  Requirements.  The  Company  will  register or
qualify the  Optionee's  shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933
and applicable blue sky or state  securities laws, and will cause such shares to
be listed on any  exchange  or trading  system upon which the  Company's  Common
Stock is listed.

              9.  Arbitration.   All  disputes,  claims  and  other  matters  in
controversy  arising directly or indirectly out of or related to this Agreement,
or  the  breach  thereof,  whether  contractual  or  non-contractual,  shall  be
determined by arbitration and shall be settled by three arbitrators, one of whom
shall be  appointed  by the  Company,  one by the Employee and the third of whom
shall be appointed by the first two arbitrators. Persons eligible to be selected
as arbitrators  shall be limited to attorneys who have been in practice at least
15 years  specializing  in employment law matters and who have had both training
and experience as arbitrators ("Experienced Arbitrators"). If either such person
fails to appoint an  arbitrator  within ten (10) days of a request in writing by
the other such person to do so or if the first two  arbitrators  cannot agree on
the appointment of a third  arbitrator  within thirty days, then such arbitrator
shall be appointed by the American  Arbitration  Association  (which appointment
shall  not be  limited  to  Experienced  Arbitrators  if  not  made  within  the
applicable time period).  Except as to the selection of arbitrators  which shall
be as  set  forth  above,  the  arbitration  shall  be  conducted  promptly  and
expeditiously  at such place in Phoenix,  Arizona  agreed to between the Company
and the Optionee in accordance  with the Commercial  Rules of Arbitration of the
American Arbitration  Association then in effect so as to enable the 
                                       6
<PAGE>
arbitrators  to resolve the disputes,  claims and other  matters in  controversy
within forty-five (45) days of the commencement of the arbitration  proceedings.
The arbitrators shall base their award on applicable law and judicial  precedent
and,  unless  both  parties  agree  otherwise,  shall  include in such award the
findings  of fact and  conclusions  of law upon which the award is based and may
award temporary or permanent equitable relief. Judgment on the award rendered by
the arbitrators  may be entered in any court having  jurisdiction  thereof.  The
arbitrators'   resolution   of  the   dispute   shall  be  final,   binding  and
non-appealable.   The  nonprevailing  party  shall  bear  the  expenses  of  the
arbitrators and the arbitration, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

              10. Miscellaneous.

                      (a) The Option is  intended  to be a  non-qualified  stock
         option under  applicable tax laws, and it is not to be characterized or
         treated as an incentive  stock option under Section 422 of the Internal
         Revenue Code of 1986.

                      (b) Neither the Optionee nor any person  claiming under or
         through the  Optionee  will have any of the rights or  privileges  of a
         shareholder  of the  Company in  respect of any of the shares  issuable
         upon exercise of the Option unless and until certificates  representing
         such shares have been issued and  delivered,  provided that the Company
         shall ensure that  certificates  representing  shares validly purchased
         hereunder  shall be issued and  delivered  promptly to the  Optionee or
         person validly claiming under or through Optionee.
                                       7
<PAGE>
                      (c) All notices and other communications hereunder must be
         in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or
         mailed in  accordance  with the  provisions of Section_14 of Optionee's
         Employment Agreement with the Company dated the date hereof.

                      (d) Subject to the  limitations  in this  Agreement on the
         transferability  by the Optionee of the Option and any shares of Common
         Stock,  this  Agreement  will be binding on and inure to the benefit of
         the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

                      (e) If any  provision  of  this  Agreement  is  held to be
         illegal,  invalid or unenforceable  under any applicable law, then such
         provision will be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary
         to render it legal, valid and enforceable,  and if no such modification
         will render it legal,  valid and enforceable,  then this Agreement will
         be construed as if not containing the provision held to be invalid, and
         the  rights  and  obligations  of the  parties  will be  construed  and
         enforced accordingly.

                      (f) The parties  acknowledge  and agree that any violation
         of the terms of this  Agreement  would  cause  irreparable  harm to the
         other  party and that,  in  addition  to all other  rights or  remedies
         available  at  law  or in  equity,  such  party  will  be  entitled  to
         injunctive  and other  equitable  relief to  prevent or enjoin any such
         violation.

                      (g) THIS  AGREEMENT  WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND  CONSTRUED IN
         ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAW, AND NOT 
                                       8
<PAGE>
         THE LAW OF CONFLICTS, OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA.

                      (h)  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any  number  of
         counterparts,  and all such  counterparts  will be deemed an  original,
         will be  construed  together  and  will  constitute  one  and the  same
         instrument.

                      (i) This  Agreement  embodies the complete  agreement  and
         understanding  among the parties  with  respect to the  subject  matter
         hereof and  supersedes  and  preempts  any prior  written,  or prior or
         contemporaneous oral, understandings,  agreements or representations by
         or among any of the parties that may have related to the subject matter
         hereof in any way.

              IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  executed  this
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                   HOMEPLEX
                                   MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
                                   CORPORATION


                                   By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                                     ...........................................
                                   Name:    Jay R. Hoffman
                                   Title:   President

                                   OPTIONEE

                                   /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                                   .............................................
                                   Steven J. Hilton

                                       9


                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                      THIS  REGISTRATION  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),
dated December 31, 1996, is made by and between  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation,  a Maryland  corporation (the  "Company"),  and William W. Cleverly
(the "Holder").

                      The Company and the Holder agree as follows:

                  1.  Shares.  As used herein,  the term "Shares" shall mean the
shares of common stock,  $.01 par value, of the Company,  acquired by the Holder
pursuant to that  certain  Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization  (the  "Merger
Agreement") among the Company,  Monterey Homes  Construction II, Inc.;  Monterey
Homes Arizona II, Inc. and the Monterey  Shareholders (as defined therein) dated
September 13, 1996  (including  the  Contingent  Stock (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) and underlying that certain Stock Option Agreement by and between the
Company and the Holder dated  December  31, 1996 (the  "Option  Shares") and any
securities  issued to Holder as a dividend or  distribution  in respect of or in
exchange  for such shares,  whether by  reclassification,  stock split,  reverse
stock split or otherwise) until their sale under this Agreement or in accordance
with Rule 144 (or any similar  provision then in force) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

                  2.  Demand  Registration.  (a)  Subject to the  provisions  of
Section 2(b) 
                                       1
<PAGE>
hereof,  the Holder may at any time after the first  anniversary  of the date of
this Agreement make up to two written  requests to the Company for  registration
under Form S-3 (or such other  appropriate  or successor form if Form S-3 is not
available) and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 415  promulgated  under
the Securities Act of all or a portion of his Shares.  The Company shall prepare
and file with the Securities and Exchange  Commission (the "SEC") a registration
statement on Form S-3 (or such other  appropriate  or successor form if Form S-3
is not available)  under the Securities Act covering such Shares,  shall use its
best efforts to cause such  registration  statement to become  effective  within
ninety  (90) days of the  Holder's  request  and shall file such  post-effective
amendments to such  registration  statement in order for it to remain  effective
without  lapse until the sale of all the Shares and shall  qualify such offering
under applicable blue sky or state securities laws.

                  (b)  Notwithstanding  delivery of any written request referred
to in Section 2(a), the Company will have the prior right at any time to conduct
public offerings of its common stock for its corporate  purposes and may preempt
any  pending  demand  registration,  in which  case  Section 3 will apply to the
offering. Under these circumstances, the Company will not be obligated to effect
the  requested  demand  registration  under this  Section 2 and such  previously
requested  registration  will not count as a demand  registration  under Section
2(a). In addition,  if, prior to the time a written  request is delivered  under
Section 2(a), the Company has given written  notice  pursuant to Section 3(a) of
its  intention  to file a  registration  statement,  the  Company  shall  not be
obligated to cause the requested  
                                       2
<PAGE>
demand  registration to become effective until 120 days after the effective date
of such registration  statement or until the Company ceases to diligently pursue
the preparation, filing and effectiveness of such registration statement.

                  (c) The Company  shall file a  registration  statement on Form
S-8 with respect to the Option Shares  promptly  after the date hereof and shall
use its best efforts to cause such  registration  statement to remain  effective
until the related stock options have been exercised or expired.

                  (d) The Company shall pay the expenses  described in Section 6
for the registration pursuant to this Section 2.

                  3.  Incidental  Registration  Rights.  (a) If at any  time the
Company  shall  determine  to  proceed  with the  preparation  and  filling of a
registration  statement under the Securities Act in connection with the proposed
offer and sale of any of its  securities  by it or any of its  security  holders
(other than a registration  statement on Form S-4, S-8 or other limited  purpose
form), the Company will give written notice of its  determination to the Holder.
Upon the written request from the Holder,  within ten (10) days after receipt of
any such notice from the Company, the Company will, subject to the provisions of
Section 3(b),  include all Shares  requested by the Holder in such  registration
statement  (and any  related  qualification  under blue sky or state  securities
laws); provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the Company from, at
any time,  abandoning or delaying any registration  under 
                                       3
<PAGE>
this  Section  3. If any  registration  pursuant  to  this  Section  3 shall  be
underwritten  in whole or in part,  the Company  shall  require  that the Shares
requested  for  inclusion  pursuant  to  this  Section  3  be  included  in  the
underwriting on the same terms and conditions,  including lock-up provisions, as
the securities otherwise being sold through the underwriters.

                  (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing underwriter
determines and advises that the inclusion of the Shares  proposed to be included
in the  underwritten  public  offering,  together  with  any  other  issued  and
outstanding  securities proposed to be included therein by holders of securities
other than the Holder who have  registration  rights which are pari passu to the
Holder, would interfere with the successful  marketing of such securities,  then
the number of such Shares that the managing  underwriter believes may be sold in
such  underwritten  public  offering  shall be  allocated  for  inclusion in the
registration  statement  in the  following  order of  priority:  (i) first,  the
securities being offered by the Company, and (ii) secondly, the number of Shares
then owned by the Holder and other holders  entitled to participate  therein who
have registration  rights which are pari passu to the Holder on a pro rata basis
or such other basis as they shall have agreed.

                  (c) The Company shall pay the expenses  described in Section 6
for registration statements filed pursuant to this Section 3.

                  4.  Registration  Procedures.  If and  whenever the Company is
required  by the  provisions  of  Section 2 or 3 to effect the  registration  of
Shares under the Securities 
                                       4
<PAGE>
Act, the Company will:

                  (a)  prepare  and file with the SEC a  registration  statement
with  respect  to such  securities,  and use its  best  efforts  to  cause  such
registration  statement to become and remain effective for such period as may be
reasonably  necessary  to effect  the sale of such  securities  (the  "Effective
Period").

                  (b)  prepare  and file  with the SEC such  amendments  to such
registration  statement and supplements to the prospectus  contained  therein as
may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for the Effective
Period as may be reasonably necessary to effect the sale of such securities.

                  (c)  furnish  to the Holder  and to the  underwriters  for the
securities  being   registered,   such  reasonable   number  of  copies  of  the
registration statement,  preliminary prospectus, final prospectus and such other
documents as the Holder and such underwriters may reasonably request in order to
facilitate the public offering of such securities.

                  (d) use its best  efforts to  register  or qualify  the Shares
covered by such  registration  statement under such state securities or blue sky
laws of such  jurisdictions  as the  Holder  may  reasonably  request in writing
within  ten  (10)  days  following  the  original  filing  of such  registration
statement,  except  that the  Company  shall not for any  purpose be required to
execute a general  consent to service of process or to qualify to do business as
a foreign  corporation  in any  jurisdiction  wherein it is not so  qualified or
subject  itself to 
                                       5
<PAGE>
taxation in a jurisdiction where it had not previously been subject to taxation,
or take any other action that would subject the Company to service of process in
a lawsuit other than one arising out of the registration of the Shares.

                  (e) notify the Holder,  promptly after it shall receive notice
thereof, of the time when such registration  statement has become effective or a
supplement to any prospectus  forming a part of such registration  statement has
been filed.

                  (f) notify the Holder  promptly  of any request by the SEC for
the amending or  supplementing of such  registration  statement or prospectus or
for additional information.

                  (g) prepare and promptly file with the SEC and promptly notify
the Holder of the filing of such  amendment or supplement  to such  registration
statement  or  prospectus  as may be  necessary  to correct  any  statements  or
omissions  if, at any time when a  prospectus  relating  to such  securities  is
required to be delivered under the Securities Act, any event shall have occurred
as the result of which any such  prospectus  or any other  prospectus as then in
effect would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material  fact  necessary to make the  statements  therein,  in the light of the
circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; and

                  (h) advise the Holder,  promptly after it shall receive notice
or  obtain  knowledge  thereof,  of the  issuance  of any stop  order by the SEC
suspending the 
                                       6
<PAGE>
effectiveness of such registration statement or the initiation or threatening of
any proceeding for that purpose and promptly use its best efforts to prevent the
issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should
be issued.

                  5.   Underwriting.   The   Holder   agrees   that  any  demand
registration  involving the issuance of Common Stock by the Company will, at the
Company's option, be effected pursuant to an underwritten  public offering.  The
Holder will select the  book-running  managing  underwriter  and any  additional
investment  bankers  and  managers  to be used in  connection  with  the  demand
registration,  provided that such underwriter and additional  investment bankers
and managers are reasonably  acceptable to the Company and that the underwriting
discounts,  fees, discounts and any other compensation proposed to be charged by
such  persons is  competitive  with that  obtainable  from  other  underwriters,
bankers and managers of comparable  quality and  reputation.  The Holder may not
participate  in an  incidental  registration  hereunder  unless  such Holder (a)
agrees  to  sell  the  Shares  on  the  basis   provided  in  the   underwriting
arrangements, if any, and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires,  powers
of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably
required under the terms of such  underwriting  arrangements,  if any, and these
registration rights.

                  6. Expenses.  (a) With respect to any  registration  requested
pursuant to Section 2 hereof,  and with  respect to an  inclusion of Shares in a
registration  statement  
                                       7
<PAGE>
pursuant to Section_3 hereof, all fees, costs and expenses of such registration,
inclusion  and public  offering (as further  specified  in paragraph  (b) below)
shall be borne by the Company; provided, however, that the Holder shall bear the
underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes in respect of the sale
of his Shares.

                  (b) The fees,  costs and expenses of  registration to be borne
by the  Company  as  provided  in  Section  6(a) above  shall  include,  without
limitation, all registration, filing, and NASD fees, printing expenses, fees and
disbursements  of legal  counsel and  accountants  for the Company and all legal
fees and  disbursements and other expenses of complying with state securities or
blue sky laws of any  jurisdictions in which the securities to be offered are to
be registered and qualified.

                  7.  Indemnification.  (a) The Company will  indemnify and hold
harmless the Holder and any  underwriter  (as defined in the Securities Act) for
the Holder and each  person,  if any, who  controls  such Holder or  underwriter
within the meaning of the  Securities  Act, from and against and will  reimburse
the Holder and each such underwriter and controlling person with respect to, any
and all loss,  damage,  liability,  cost and  expense to which the Holder or any
such  underwriter or controlling  person may become subject under the Securities
Act or  otherwise,  insofar  as such  losses,  damages,  liabilities,  costs  or
expenses are caused by any untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement of any
material fact contained in such registration statement, any prospectus contained
therein or any  amendment or  supplement  thereto,  or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged  omission to 
                                       8
<PAGE>
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements  therein,  in light of the circumstances in which they were made,
not misleading;  provided,  however,  that the Company will not be liable in any
such case to the extent that any such loss, damage,  liability, cost or expenses
arises out of or is based upon an untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement
or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished
in  writing  by  the  Holder,   such  underwriter  or  such  controlling  person
specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Company will not be subject
to any  liability  for any  settlement  made without its consent,  which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                  (b) The Holder will  indemnify  and hold harmless the Company,
its directors and officers,  any controlling person and any underwriter  thereof
from and against,  and will  reimburse the Company,  its directors and officers,
any controlling person and any underwriter  thereof with respect to, any and all
loss, damage, liability, cost or expense to which the Company or any controlling
person and/or any  underwriter  thereof may become  subject under the Securities
Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, damages, liabilities, cost or expenses
are caused by any untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement of any material
fact contained in such registration statement,  any prospectus contained therein
or any  amendment or supplement  thereto,  or arise out of or are based upon the
omission or alleged  omission to state  therein a material  fact  required to be
stated  therein or 
                                       9
<PAGE>
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which
they were made,  not  misleading,  in each case to the  extent,  but only to the
extent,  that such untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement or omission or
alleged omission was so made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Holder  specifically  for use in the
preparation  thereof.  The Holder will not be subject to any  liability  for any
settlement  made without its consent,  which consent  shall not be  unreasonably
withheld.

                  (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party pursuant to
the  provisions  of  paragraph  (a) or (b) of this  Section  6 of  notice of the
commencement  of any  action  involving  the  subject  matter  of the  foregoing
indemnity  provisions such  indemnified  party will, if a claim thereof is to be
made against the indemnifying party pursuant to the provisions of said paragraph
(a) or (b), promptly notify the indemnifying party of the commencement  thereof;
but the  omission to so notify the  indemnifying  party will not relieve it from
any  liability  which  it may  have  to any  indemnified  party  otherwise  than
hereunder,  except to the extent that such  omission  materially  and  adversely
affects the  indemnifying  party's  ability to defend against or compromise such
claim.  In case such  action is brought  against  any  indemnified  party and it
notifies the indemnifying  party of the commencement  thereof,  the indemnifying
party  shall have the right to  participate  in,  and, to the extent that it may
wish, jointly with any other indemnifying  party similarly  notified,  to assume
the defense  thereof,  with  counsel  satisfactory  to such  indemnified  party;
provided, however, that
                                       10
<PAGE>
if the  defendants  in any action  include  both the  indemnified  party and the
indemnifying  party and there are legal  defenses  available to the  indemnified
party and/or other  indemnified  parties which are different from or in addition
to those  available  to the  indemnifying  party,  or if there is a conflict  of
interest  which  would  prevent  counsel  for the  indemnifying  party from also
representing the indemnified  party, the indemnified party or parties shall have
the right to select  separate  counsel  to  participate  in the  defense of such
action on behalf of such  indemnified  party or parties.  After  notice from the
indemnifying  party to an  indemnified  party of its  election  so to assume the
defense thereof,  the indemnifying  party will not be liable to such indemnified
party  pursuant to the  provisions of said paragraph (a) or (b) for any legal or
other expense subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
the  defense  thereof  other  than  costs  of  investigation,   unless  (i)  the
indemnified  party shall have employed counsel in accordance with the provisions
of the preceding  sentence,  (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed
counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party
within a reasonable  time after the notice of the  commencement of the action or
(iii) the  indemnifying  party has  authorized the employment of counsel for the
indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party.

                  (d)  If  for  any  reason  the  foregoing  indemnification  is
unavailable,  or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party, then the
indemnifying  party  shall  contribute  to the  amount  paid or  payable  by the
indemnified party as a result of such losses,  
                                       11
<PAGE>
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect the  relative  fault of the  indemnifying  party on the one hand and the
indemnified  party on the other in  connection  with the  statement  or omission
which resulted in the losses, claims, damages,  liabilities or expenses, as well
as any other relevant equitable  considerations.  No person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentations  (within the meaning of  Section_11(f) of the Securities Act)
shall be  entitled  to  contribution  from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.

         8. Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Notices.  Any notice or other  communications  required or
which  may be  given  hereunder  shall be in  writing  and  shall  be  delivered
personally,  or  telegraphed,  telexed  or  telecopied,  or sent  by  certified,
registered or express mail postage prepaid, and shall be given when so delivered
personally, or telegraphed,  telexed or telecopied, or if mailed, two days after
mailing, as follows (or to such other address as any party may from time to time
specify in writing pursuant to the notice provisions hereof):

                      If to the Company:

                      Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation
                      5333 North Seventh Street, Suite 219
                      Phoenix, Arizona 85014
                      Fax:  (602) 230-1690
                      Attention:  Corporate Secretary

                                       12
<PAGE>
                      If to the Holder:

                      William W. Cleverly
                      5627 N. Casa Blanca Road
                      Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253


                  (b)  Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  contains  the entire
agreement  between the Company and the Holder,  in respect of the subject matter
hereof,  and  supersedes  all prior  agreements,  written or oral,  with respect
thereto.

                  (c)  Amendment.  This  Agreement  may  be  amended,  modified,
superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended, and any term or condition hereof may
be waived,  only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the Holder,
in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance.  No delay by any party
in exercising any right, power or privilege  hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof,  nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any  right,  power or
privilege  hereunder,  nor any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege  hereunder,  preclude  any other or  further  exercise  thereof or the
exercise  of any other  right,  power or  privilege  hereunder.  The  rights and
remedies  herein  provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or
remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity.

                  (d)  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement is made in, and shall be
governed by and construed in accordance  with, the laws of the State of Arizona,
without  
                                       13
<PAGE>
giving effect to the provisions  thereof  pertaining to conflicts and choices of
law.

                  (e) Successors and Assigns.  This agreement shall inure to the
benefit  of and be  binding  upon  the  successors  and  assigns  of each of the
parties;  notwithstanding the foregoing,  neither party shall assign its rights,
duties or  obligations  under this  Agreement to any other  person,  without the
other party's  express  written  consent,  except that the Holder may assign the
benefits of this  Agreement to any member of the Holder's  "immediate family" as
such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(e) or any trust,  partnership or other entity
created for the benefit of such persons or to any other  transferee of more than
150,000 shares prior to giving effect to the contemplated reverse stock split of
the Company as set forth in the Merger Agreement.

                  (f)   Counterparts.   This   Agreement   may  be  executed  in
counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original  and all of which shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
                                       14
<PAGE>
              IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.


                                     HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE
                                     INVESTMENTS CORPORATION



                                     By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                                        ......................................
                                     Name:    Jay R. Hoffman
                                     Title:   President


                                     HOLDER



                                     /s/ William W. Cleverly
                                     .........................................
                                     William W. Cleverly

                                       15

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                  THIS  REGISTRATION  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated
December  31,  1996,  is  made  by and  between  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments
Corporation,  a Maryland  corporation (the "Company"), and Steven J. Hilton (the
"Holder").

                  The Company and the Holder agree as follows:

                  1.  Shares.  As used herein,  the term "Shares" shall mean the
shares of common stock,  $.01 par value, of the Company,  acquired by the Holder
pursuant to that  certain  Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization  (the  "Merger
Agreement") among the Company,  Monterey Homes  Construction II, Inc.;  Monterey
Homes Arizona II, Inc. and the Monterey  Shareholders (as defined therein) dated
September 13, 1996  (including  the  Contingent  Stock (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) and underlying that certain Stock Option Agreement by and between the
Company and the Holder dated  December  31, 1996 (the  "Option  Shares") and any
securities  issued to Holder as a dividend or  distribution  in respect of or in
exchange  for such shares,  whether by  reclassification,  stock split,  reverse
stock split or otherwise) until their sale under this Agreement or in accordance
with Rule 144 (or any similar  provision then in force) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

                  2.  Demand  Registration.  (a)  Subject to the  provisions  of
Section 2(b) hereof,  the Holder may at any time after the first  anniversary of
the date of this  Agreement  
                                       1
<PAGE>
make up to two written requests to the Company for  registration  under Form S-3
(or such other  appropriate  or successor form if Form S-3 is not available) and
in accordance with the provisions of Rule 415  promulgated  under the Securities
Act of all or a portion of his Shares.  The Company  shall prepare and file with
the Securities and Exchange  Commission (the "SEC") a registration  statement on
Form  S-3 (or  such  other  appropriate  or  successor  form if Form  S-3 is not
available)  under the  Securities  Act covering such Shares,  shall use its best
efforts to cause such  registration  statement to become effective within ninety
(90) days of the Holder's request and shall file such post-effective  amendments
to such registration statement in order for it to remain effective without lapse
until  the  sale of all  the  Shares  and  shall  qualify  such  offering  under
applicable blue sky or state securities laws.

                           (b)  Notwithstanding  delivery of any written request
referred to in Section  2(a),  the Company will have the prior right at any time
to conduct public  offerings of its common stock for its corporate  purposes and
may preempt any pending demand registration,  in which case Section 3 will apply
to the offering. Under these circumstances, the Company will not be obligated to
effect  the  requested  demand  registration  under  this  Section  2  and  such
previously requested  registration will not count as a demand registration under
Section 2(a). In addition,  if, prior to the time a written request is delivered
under Section 2(a),  the Company has given  written  notice  pursuant to Section
3(a) of its intention to file a registration statement, the Company shall not be
obligated to cause the requested  demand  registration to become effective until
120 days after the effective  date of such  
                                       2
<PAGE>
registration  statement  or until the Company  ceases to  diligently  pursue the
preparation, filing and effectiveness of such registration statement.

                           (c) The Company shall file a  registration  statement
on Form S-8 with respect to the Option Shares promptly after the date hereof and
shall  use its best  efforts  to cause  such  registration  statement  to remain
effective until the related stock options have been exercised or expired.

                           (d) The Company  shall pay the expenses  described in
Section 6 for the registration pursuant to this Section 2.

                  3.  Incidental  Registration  Rights.  (a) If at any  time the
Company  shall  determine  to  proceed  with the  preparation  and  filling of a
registration  statement under the Securities Act in connection with the proposed
offer and sale of any of its  securities  by it or any of its  security  holders
(other than a registration  statement on Form S-4, S-8 or other limited  purpose
form), the Company will give written notice of its  determination to the Holder.
Upon the written request from the Holder,  within ten (10) days after receipt of
any such notice from the Company, the Company will, subject to the provisions of
Section 3(b),  include all Shares  requested by the Holder in such  registration
statement  (and any  related  qualification  under blue sky or state  securities
laws); provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent the Company from, at
any time,  abandoning or delaying any registration  under this Section 3. If any
registration  pursuant to this  Section 3 shall be  underwritten  in whole or in
part, the Company shall require that the Shares requested for inclusion pursuant
to this  
                                       3
<PAGE>
Section 3 be  included  in the  underwriting  on the same terms and  conditions,
including lock-up provisions, as the securities otherwise being sold through the
underwriters.

                           (b)  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if the managing
underwriter  determines and advises that the inclusion of the Shares proposed to
be included in the underwritten public offering,  together with any other issued
and  outstanding  securities  proposed  to be  included  therein  by  holders of
securities  other than the Holder who have  registration  rights  which are pari
passu to the Holder,  would  interfere  with the  successful  marketing  of such
securities,  then  the  number  of such  Shares  that the  managing  underwriter
believes may be sold in such underwritten public offering shall be allocated for
inclusion in the registration  statement in the following order of priority: (i)
first,  the  securities  being offered by the Company,  and (ii)  secondly,  the
number  of  Shares  then  owned by the  Holder  and other  holders  entitled  to
participate  therein who have  registration  rights  which are pari passu to the
Holder on a pro rata basis or such other basis as they shall have agreed.

                           (c) The Company  shall pay the expenses  described in
Section 6 for registration statements filed pursuant to this Section 3.

                  4.  Registration  Procedures.  If and  whenever the Company is
required  by the  provisions  of  Section 2 or 3 to effect the  registration  of
Shares under the Securities Act, the Company will:

                           (a)  prepare  and file  with  the SEC a  registration
statement  with  respect to such  securities,  and use its best efforts to cause
such  registration  statement to 
                                       4
<PAGE>
become and remain  effective for such period as may be  reasonably  necessary to
effect the sale of such securities (the "Effective Period").

                           (b) prepare and file with the SEC such  amendments to
such registration  statement and supplements to the prospectus contained therein
as may be  necessary  to keep  such  registration  statement  effective  for the
Effective  Period as may be  reasonably  necessary  to  effect  the sale of such
securities.

                           (c) furnish to the Holder and to the underwriters for
the  securities  being  registered,  such  reasonable  number  of  copies of the
registration statement,  preliminary prospectus, final prospectus and such other
documents as the Holder and such underwriters may reasonably request in order to
facilitate the public offering of such securities.

                           (d) use its best  efforts to  register or qualify the
Shares covered by such  registration  statement  under such state  securities or
blue sky laws of such  jurisdictions  as the  Holder may  reasonably  request in
writing within ten (10) days following the original filing of such  registration
statement,  except  that the  Company  shall not for any  purpose be required to
execute a general  consent to service of process or to qualify to do business as
a foreign  corporation  in any  jurisdiction  wherein it is not so  qualified or
subject  itself to taxation in a jurisdiction  where it had not previously  been
subject to taxation,  or take any other action that would subject the Company to
service of process in a lawsuit  other than one arising out of the  registration
of the Shares.

                           (e)  notify  the  Holder,  promptly  after  it  shall
receive notice thereof, 
                                       5
<PAGE>
of  the  time  when  such  registration  statement  has  become  effective  or a
supplement to any prospectus  forming a part of such registration  statement has
been filed.

                           (f) notify the Holder  promptly of any request by the
SEC  for  the  amending  or  supplementing  of such  registration  statement  or
prospectus or for additional information.

                           (g)  prepare  and  promptly  file  with  the  SEC and
promptly notify the Holder of the filing of such amendment or supplement to such
registration  statement  or  prospectus  as  may be  necessary  to  correct  any
statements  or  omissions  if, at any time when a  prospectus  relating  to such
securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, any event shall
have occurred as the result of which any such prospectus or any other prospectus
as then in effect would  include an untrue  statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material  fact  necessary to make the  statements  therein,  in the
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading; and

                           (h)  advise  the  Holder,  promptly  after  it  shall
receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by
the SEC  suspending  the  effectiveness  of such  registration  statement or the
initiation or  threatening  of any  proceeding for that purpose and promptly use
its best  efforts to  prevent  the  issuance  of any stop order or to obtain its
withdrawal if such stop order should be issued.

                  5.   Underwriting.   The   Holder   agrees   that  any  demand
registration  involving the issuance of Common Stock by the Company will, at the
Company's option, 
                                       6
<PAGE>
be effected pursuant to an underwritten public offering.  The Holder will select
the book-running  managing underwriter and any additional investment bankers and
managers to be used in connection  with the demand  registration,  provided that
such underwriter and additional  investment  bankers and managers are reasonably
acceptable to the Company and that the underwriting  discounts,  fees, discounts
and any other compensation proposed to be charged by such persons is competitive
with that obtainable from other underwriters, bankers and managers of comparable
quality  and  reputation.  The  Holder  may  not  participate  in an  incidental
registration  hereunder  unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell the Shares on the
basis provided in the underwriting  arrangements,  if any, and (b) completes and
executes  all  questionnaires,  powers of  attorney,  indemnities,  underwriting
agreements  and  other  documents  reasonably  required  under the terms of such
underwriting arrangements, if any, and these registration rights.

                  6. Expenses.  (a) With respect to any  registration  requested
pursuant to Section 2 hereof,  and with  respect to an  inclusion of Shares in a
registration  statement  pursuant  to  Section 3  hereof,  all  fees,  costs and
expenses  of such  registration,  inclusion  and  public  offering  (as  further
specified  in  paragraph  (b) below)  shall be borne by the  Company;  provided,
however,  that the Holder shall bear the underwriting  discounts and commissions
and transfer taxes in respect of the sale of his Shares.

                           (b) The fees,  costs and expenses of  registration to
be borne by the Company as provided in Section 6(a) above shall include, without
limitation, all registration, 
                                       7
<PAGE>
filing,  and NASD  fees,  printing  expenses,  fees and  disbursements  of legal
counsel and accountants for the Company and all legal fees and disbursements and
other  expenses  of  complying  with  state  securities  or blue sky laws of any
jurisdictions  in which the  securities to be offered are to be  registered  and
qualified.

                  7.  Indemnification.  (a) The Company will  indemnify and hold
harmless the Holder and any  underwriter  (as defined in the Securities Act) for
the Holder and each  person,  if any, who  controls  such Holder or  underwriter
within the meaning of the  Securities  Act, from and against and will  reimburse
the Holder and each such underwriter and controlling person with respect to, any
and all loss,  damage,  liability,  cost and  expense to which the Holder or any
such  underwriter or controlling  person may become subject under the Securities
Act or  otherwise,  insofar  as such  losses,  damages,  liabilities,  costs  or
expenses are caused by any untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement of any
material fact contained in such registration statement, any prospectus contained
therein or any  amendment or  supplement  thereto,  or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or alleged  omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements  therein,  in light of
the  circumstances in which they were made, not misleading;  provided,  however,
that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such
loss,  damage,  liability,  cost or  expenses  arises out of or is based upon an
untrue  statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so
made in conformity  with  information  furnished in writing by the Holder,  such
underwriter or such controlling  person  
                                       8
<PAGE>
specifically for use in the preparation thereof. The Company will not be subject
to any  liability  for any  settlement  made without its consent,  which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.

                           (b) The Holder will  indemnify  and hold harmless the
Company, its directors and officers,  any controlling person and any underwriter
thereof from and against,  and will  reimburse  the Company,  its  directors and
officers,  any controlling  person and any underwriter  thereof with respect to,
any and all loss, damage, liability, cost or expense to which the Company or any
controlling  person and/or any underwriter  thereof may become subject under the
Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, damages,  liabilities, cost
or expenses are caused by any untrue  statement or alleged  untrue  statement of
any material  fact  contained in such  registration  statement,  any  prospectus
contained therein or any amendment or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are
based upon the  omission or alleged  omission to state  therein a material  fact
required to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements  therein,  in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, in each case
to the extent,  but only to the extent,  that such untrue  statement  or alleged
untrue  statement or omission or alleged  omission was so made in reliance  upon
and in conformity with  information  furnished in writing by or on behalf of the
Holder specifically for use in the preparation  thereof.  The Holder will not be
subject to any  liability  for any  settlement  made without its consent,  which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
                                       9
<PAGE>
                           (c) Promptly  after receipt by an  indemnified  party
pursuant to the  provisions  of paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 6 of notice
of the  commencement of any action involving the subject matter of the foregoing
indemnity  provisions such  indemnified  party will, if a claim thereof is to be
made against the indemnifying party pursuant to the provisions of said paragraph
(a) or (b), promptly notify the indemnifying party of the commencement  thereof;
but the  omission to so notify the  indemnifying  party will not relieve it from
any  liability  which  it may  have  to any  indemnified  party  otherwise  than
hereunder,  except to the extent that such  omission  materially  and  adversely
affects the  indemnifying  party's  ability to defend against or compromise such
claim.  In case such  action is brought  against  any  indemnified  party and it
notifies the indemnifying  party of the commencement  thereof,  the indemnifying
party  shall have the right to  participate  in,  and, to the extent that it may
wish, jointly with any other indemnifying  party similarly  notified,  to assume
the defense  thereof,  with  counsel  satisfactory  to such  indemnified  party;
provided,  however,  that if the  defendants  in any  action  include  both  the
indemnified  party and the  indemnifying  party  and  there  are legal  defenses
available to the indemnified  party and/or other  indemnified  parties which are
different from or in addition to those available to the  indemnifying  party, or
if  there  is a  conflict  of  interest  which  would  prevent  counsel  for the
indemnifying party from also representing the indemnified party, the indemnified
party or parties shall have the right to select separate  counsel to participate
in the  defense of such action on behalf of such  indemnified  party or parties.
After notice from the indemnifying party to an indemnified party of its election
so to assume the defense thereof,  the indemnifying  party will not be liable to
such  indemnified  
                                       10
<PAGE>
party  pursuant to the  provisions of said paragraph (a) or (b) for any legal or
other expense subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
the  defense  thereof  other  than  costs  of  investigation,   unless  (i)  the
indemnified  party shall have employed counsel in accordance with the provisions
of the preceding  sentence,  (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed
counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party
within a reasonable  time after the notice of the  commencement of the action or
(iii) the  indemnifying  party has  authorized the employment of counsel for the
indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party.

                           (d) If for any reason the  foregoing  indemnification
is unavailable,  or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified  party, then
the  indemnifying  party shall  contribute  to the amount paid or payable by the
indemnified party as a result of such losses,  claims,  damages,  liabilities or
expenses in such  proportion as is  appropriate to reflect the relative fault of
the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other in
connection with the statement or omission which resulted in the losses,  claims,
damages,  liabilities  or  expenses,  as well as any  other  relevant  equitable
considerations.  No person guilty of fraudulent  misrepresentations  (within the
meaning  of   Section_11(f)   of  the  Securities  Act)  shall  be  entitled  to
contribution   from  any  person   who  was  not   guilty  of  such   fraudulent
misrepresentation.

                  8. Miscellaneous.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                           (a)  Notices.  Any  notice  or  other  communications
required  or which  may be given  hereunder  shall be in  writing  and  shall be
delivered  personally,  or  telegraphed,  telexed  or  telecopied,  or  sent  by
certified,  registered or express mail postage prepaid,  and shall be given when
so delivered personally,  or telegraphed,  telexed or telecopied,  or if mailed,
two days after  mailing,  as follows (or to such other  address as any party may
from time to time specify in writing pursuant to the notice provisions hereof):

                  If to the Company:

                  Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation
                  5333 North Seventh Street, Suite 219
                  Phoenix, Arizona 85014
                  Fax:  (602) 230-1690
                  Attention:  Corporate Secretary

                  If to the Holder:

                  Steven J. Hilton
                  5265 N. Wilkinson
                  Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253

                           (b) Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  contains the
entire agreement  between the Company and the Holder,  in respect of the subject
matter  hereof,  and  supersedes  all prior  agreements,  written or oral,  with
respect thereto.

                           (c)   Amendment.   This  Agreement  may  be  amended,
modified, superseded,  cancelled, renewed or extended, and any term or condition
hereof may be 
                                       12
<PAGE>
waived,  only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the Holder, in
the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance.  No delay by any party in
exercising  any right,  power or privilege  hereunder  shall operate as a waiver
thereof,  nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any  right,  power or
privilege  hereunder,  nor any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege  hereunder,  preclude  any other or  further  exercise  thereof or the
exercise  of any other  right,  power or  privilege  hereunder.  The  rights and
remedies  herein  provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or
remedies that any party may otherwise have at law or in equity.

                           (d)  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement is made in, and
shall be governed by and construed in accordance  with, the laws of the State of
Arizona, without giving effect to the provisions thereof pertaining to conflicts
and choices of law.

                           (e)  Successors  and Assigns.  This  agreement  shall
inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the  successors  and assigns of each
of the parties;  notwithstanding  the foregoing,  neither party shall assign its
rights, duties or obligations under this Agreement to any other person,  without
the other party's express written consent, except that the Holder may assign the
benefits of this  Agreement to any member of the Holder's  "immediate family" as
such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(e) or any trust,  partnership or other entity
created for the benefit of such persons or to any other  transferee of more than
150,000 shares prior to giving effect to the contemplated reverse stock split of
the Company as set forth in the Merger Agreement.
                                       13
<PAGE>
                           (f)  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original  and all of which shall
constitute one and the same instrument.
                                       14
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have  executed  this  Agreement as of the date
first above written.
                                      HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE
                                      INVESTMENTS CORPORATION


                                      By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                                         ......................................
                                      Name:      Jay R. Hoffman
                                      Title:     President


                                      HOLDER


                                      /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                                      .........................................
                                      Steven J. Hilton

                                       15

                      ESCROW AND CONTINGENT STOCK AGREEMENT
                      -------------------------------------


         THIS ESCROW AND CONTINGENT STOCK AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made as
of December 31, 1996, by and among Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation,  a
Maryland  corporation  ("HPX") and William W. Cleverly and Steven J. Hilton (the
"Monterey Shareholders").

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, HPX and the Monterey  Shareholders are parties to that certain
Agreement  and Plan of  Reorganization  dated  September  13, 1996 (the  "Merger
Agreement");

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, HPX has agreed to assume the
obligations of Monterey Homes  Construction  II, Inc. and Monterey Homes Arizona
II,  Inc.  under that  certain  Warrant  Agreement  dated  October 17, 1994 (the
"Warrant Agreement");

         WHEREAS,  this  Agreement is being  entered into pursuant to the Merger
Agreement  and   establishes  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  deposit  and
disbursement of 643,500 shares of HPX Common Stock (the "Warrant  Stock") issued
in the names of the Monterey Shareholders upon the exercise or expiration of the
Warrants (as defined in Section 1.3(e) of the Merger Agreement); and

         WHEREAS,  this  Agreement is being  entered into pursuant to the Merger
Agreement  and  establishes  the  terms and  conditions  of the  issuance  of an
additional  668,160 shares of HPX Common Stock (the  "Contingent  Stock") to the
Monterey  Shareholders  and an  additional  131,840  of HPX  Common  Stock  (the
"Contingent   Warrant  Stock")  reserved  for  issuance  upon  the  exercise  or
expiration  of the  Warrants  (as  defined  in  Section  1.3(e)  of  the  Merger
Agreement;

         NOW THEREFORE,  in consideration of the mutual  covenants,  agreements,
representations and warranties  contained herein and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

         1. Capitalized Terms. Unless otherwise defined,  capitalized terms used
in this  Agreement  shall have the same  meaning  ascribed  to such terms in the
Merger Agreement.

         2.  Appointment.  The Monterey  Shareholders  hereby appoint HPX as the
escrow agent 
                                       1
<PAGE>
with respect to the Warrant Stock under this Agreement, and HPX hereby agrees to
accept such appointment.

         3. Resignation and Substitution.  HPX may resign as escrow agent at any
time  by  giving  notice  of  such  resignation  to  the  Monterey  Shareholders
specifying a date when such resignation  shall take effect;  provided,  however,
that HPX shall  continue to serve until its successor  accepts the Warrant Stock
and receives the Warrant Stock in accordance with the following provisions: Upon
notice of  termination,  a  successor  escrow  agent shall be  appointed  by the
Monterey Shareholders.

         4. Deposit of Warrant Stock. The Monterey  Shareholders  hereby deliver
the Warrant  Stock to HPX to be held in escrow for the  benefit of the  Monterey
Shareholders and Monterey  Warrantholders,  and such escrow shall be governed by
the terms set forth herein. HPX hereby acknowledges receipt of the Warrant Stock
which shall be reasonably acceptable to HPX.

         5. Exercise or Expiration of Warrants.

                  a. Upon the  exercise,  in whole or in part, of a Warrant by a
         Warrantholder  in accordance  with the terms of the Warrant  Agreement,
         HPX  shall  (i)  deliver  to such  Warrantholder  a number of shares of
         Warrant Stock allocable to the Warrantholder on a pro rata basis to the
         Warrant  exercised;  (ii)  issue  and  deliver  a number  of  shares of
         Contingent  Warrant Stock allocable to the  Warrantholder on a pro rata
         basis  to  the  Warrant  exercised;  and  (iii)  pay  to  the  Monterey
         Shareholders an amount in cash equal to the aggregate price paid by the
         Warrantholder to exercise the Warrant.

                  b. If any  Warrants  are not  exercised  and  thus  expire  on
         October  15,  2001,  HPX  shall  (i)  deliver  to each of the  Monterey
         Shareholders  one-half  of any  shares of  Warrant  Stock  then held in
         escrow  by HPX and  (ii)  issue  and  deliver  to each of the  Monterey
         Shareholders  one-half of any shares of  Contingent  Warrant Stock that
         have not been issued hereunder.

                  c. Shares of Contingent Warrant Stock issued to Warrantholders
         or the Monterey Shareholders pursuant to this Section 5 shall be issued
         and  delivered  without  regard to the stock  price  targets  and other
         restrictions set forth in Section 6 below.

         6. Issuance of Contingent Stock.
                                       2
<PAGE>
                  a.  Subject to  subsection  b, the  Contingent  Stock shall be
         issued pro rata to each Monterey Shareholder as follows:

                           (i) if the closing  price of the HPX common  stock on
                  the New York Stock  Exchange (the "HPX Stock Price")  averages
                  $1.75 for twenty  consecutive  trading days at any time during
                  the  five-year  period  following  the  Effective  Date,  then
                  134,828 shares of Contingent Stock shall be issued pro rata to
                  the  Monterey  Shareholders  as soon as  practicable  but only
                  after the first anniversary of the Effective Date;

                           (ii) if the HPX Stock Price averages $2.50 for twenty
                  consecutive  trading  days at any time  during  the  five-year
                  period  following  the  Effective  Date,  then  an  additional
                  265,666 shares of Contingent Stock shall be issued pro rata to
                  the  Monterey  Shareholders  as soon as  practicable  but only
                  after the second anniversary of the Effective Date; and

                           (iii)  if the HPX  Stock  Price  averages  $3.50  for
                  twenty  consecutive  trading  days  at  any  time  during  the
                  five-year   period  following  the  Effective  Date,  then  an
                  additional  266,666 shares of Contingent Stock shall be issued
                  pro rata to the Monterey  Shareholders  as soon as practicable
                  but only after the third anniversary of the Effective Date.

                  b. Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the pro rata portion of the
         shares of  Contingent  Stock shall be issued to a Monterey  Shareholder
         only if such  Monterey  Shareholder  (i) is employed by HPX at the date
         shares of Contingent Stock are to be issued under Section 6(a) above or
         (ii) has been  terminated  by HPX  without  Cause  (as  defined  in the
         Employment  Agreement of even date  herewith by and between HPX and the
         Monterey Shareholder).

         7. Rights of Monterey  Shareholders.  The Monterey  Shareholders  shall
retain  all  rights of  ownership  to the  Warrant  Stock held in escrow by HPX,
including  without  limitation the right to vote the Warrant Stock. The Monterey
Shareholders  shall  have no rights  with  respect  to the  Contingent  Stock or
Contingent  Warrant Stock unless and until such Contingent  Stock and Contingent
Warrant Stock is issued to the Monterey Shareholders.

         8. Taking of Necessary Action. Each of the parties hereto agrees to use
its or his best  efforts  promptly  to take or cause to be taken all  action and
promptly  to do or cause to be done all 
                                       3
<PAGE>
things  necessary,  proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         9. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the disbursement or
issuance of all shares of Warrant Stock, Contingent Stock and Contingent Warrant
Stock in accordance with the terms hereof.

         10. Arbitration.  All disputes, claims and other matters in controversy
arising  directly  or  indirectly  out of or related to this  Agreement,  or the
breach hereof,  whether contractual or  non-contractual,  shall be determined by
arbitration  and shall be  settled  by three  arbitrators,  one of whom shall be
appointed by HPX, one by the Monterey  Shareholders  and the third of whom shall
be appointed by the first two  arbitrators.  Persons  eligible to be selected as
arbitrators  shall be limited to attorneys who have been in practice at least 15
years  specializing  in corporate and  securities  laws matters and who have had
both training and  experience as  arbitrators  ("Experienced  Arbitrators").  If
either party fails to appoint an arbitrator within ten (10) days of a request in
writing by the other such person to do so or if the first two arbitrators cannot
agree on the  appointment of a third  arbitrator  within thirty days,  then such
arbitrator  shall be appointed by the American  Arbitration  Association  (which
appointment  shall not be limited to Experienced  Arbitrators if not made within
the applicable  time period).  Except as to the selection of  arbitrators  which
shall be as set forth above,  the  arbitration  shall be conducted  promptly and
expeditiously  as such place in Phoenix,  Arizona  agreed to between HPX and the
Monterey  Shareholders in accordance with the Commercial Rules of Arbitration of
the  American  Arbitration  Association  then  in  effect  so as to  enable  the
arbitrators  to resolve the disputes,  claims and other  matters in  controversy
within forty-five (45) days of the commencement of the arbitration  proceedings.
The arbitrators shall base their award on applicable law and judicial  precedent
and,  unless  both  parties  agree  otherwise,  shall  include in such award the
findings  of fact and  conclusions  of law upon which the award is based and may
award temporary or permanent equitable relief. Judgment on the award rendered by
the arbitrators  may be entered in any court having  jurisdiction  thereof.  The
arbitrators'   resolution   of  the   dispute   shall  be  final,   binding  and
non-appealable.   The  nonprevailing  party  shall  bear  the  expenses  of  the
arbitrators and the arbitration, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

         11. Notice.  Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement must
be in writing and will be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or
by  overnight  courier  service on three days after being sent by mail,  postage
prepaid,  at the  address  indicated  below or to such  changed  address as such
person may subsequently give such notice of:

         If to HPX:                    Homeplex Mortgage Investments Corporation
                                       5333 North Seventh Street
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                       Suite 219
                                       Phoenix, Arizona 85014
                                       Attn: Corporate Secretary

         If to Monterey Shareholders:  William W. Cleverly
                                       5627 N. Casa Blanca Road
                                       Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253

                                       Steven J. Hilton
                                       5265 N. Wilkinson
                                       Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253

         12. Binding Nature of Agreement;  Assignment.  This Agreement  shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
heirs,  legal  representatives,  successors  and assigns.  This Agreement or any
right, remedy,  obligation or liability hereunder may be transferred or assigned
by the Monterey Shareholders without the prior written consent of HPX; provided,
however, that any transfer or assignment of the Monterey Shareholders' rights to
receive Warrant Stock,  Contingent  Stock or Contingent  Warrant Stock hereunder
shall be made in accordance with the Articles of  Incorporation  of HPX, and any
transferee shall be subject to the conditions hereof.

         13.  Governing  Law. This  Agreement and all questions  relating to its
validity,  interpretation,  performance and enforcement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws, and not the law of conflicts, of
the State of Arizona.

         14. Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the Merger Agreement embodies
the complete  agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof  and  supersedes  any  prior  written,  or  prior  contemporaneous  oral,
understandings  or  agreements  between the parties that may have related in any
way to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement may be amended only in writing
executed by HPX and the Monterey Shareholders.

         15. Paragraph  Headings.  The paragraph  headings in this Agreement are
for  convenience  only; they form no part of this Agreement and shall not affect
its interpretation.

         16. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall 
                                       5
<PAGE>
be  deemed  an  original,  but all of which  shall  constitute  one and the same
document.



                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       6
<PAGE>
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.

                            HOMEPLEX MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS CORPORATION,
                            a Maryland corporation


                            By: /s/ Jay R. Hoffman
                              .................................................
                            Jay R. Hoffman, President


                            THE MONTEREY SHAREHOLDERS

                            /s/ William W. Cleverly
                            ...................................................
                            William W. Cleverly

                            /s/ Steven J. Hilton
                            ...................................................
                            Steven J. Hilton

Ernst & Young LLP

March 27, 1997


Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

Gentlemen:

We have  read Item 9 of Form 10-K  dated  January  22,  1997 of  Monterey  Homes
Corporation  (formerly  Homeplex  Mortgage  Investments  Corporation) and are in
agreement  with the  statements  contained  in the  second  paragraph  under the
heading "Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant" under Item 9 in the Form
10-K.  We have no basis  to  agree or  disagree  with  other  statements  of the
registrant contained therein.



                                                   Ernst & Young LLP

                           MONTEREY HOMES CORPORATION
                            SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES
                                      1996

                                                              State of
                          Name                              Incorporation
         -----------------------------------                -------------

         Monterey Homes Arizona I, Inc.                       Arizona

         Monterey Homes Construction I, Inc.                  Arizona

         EMIC Finance Corporation                             Arizona

                        CONSENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP

The Board of Directors
Monterey Homes Corporation:

We consent to  incorporation  by reference in the  Registration  Statement  (No.
33-38230 on Form S-8) of Monterey Homes Corporation  (formerly Homeplex Mortgage
Investments  Corporation) of our report dated February 21, 1997, relating to the
consolidated  balance sheet of Monterey Homes Corporation and subsidiaries as of
December  31,  1996  and the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended which appears in the
December 31, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of Monterey Homes Corporation.


KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP


Phoenix, Arizona
March 27, 1997

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  33-38230) of Monterey Homes  Corporation  (formerly  Homeplex  Mortgage
Investments  Corporation) of our report dated February 13, 1996, with respect to
the consolidated  financial statements of Monterey Homes Corporation included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.


                                                    Ernst & Young LLP


Phoenix, Arizona
March 27, 1997

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<CURRENCY>                    U.S. DOLLARS
       
<S>                           <C>   
<PERIOD-TYPE>                 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
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<SECURITIES>                                 4,696,495
<RECEIVABLES>                                2,623,502
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                                0
                                          0
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